Spain...Why Not? Past Review

By (Elementary Education, University of Wisconsin - Platteville) - abroad from 05/17/2015 to 06/20/2015 with

UW-Platteville Education Abroad at the Spanish-American Institute of International Education (SAIIE)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so many new things about myself and the Spanish culture while I was abroad in Sevilla, Spain. But the one thing that surprised me the most was how much of the Spanish language I really did know. By the end of the first week I felt completely confident in talking to the locals. I made great friends from across the United States that I plan on visiting and staying in touch with. It was definitely worthwhile, and there is not a day that I do not think about it and want to go back.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It is a family run institute, which makes it very personable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a host family immersing you in the country in a special kind of way.

* Food:

So good! The seƱoras' cooking is amazing. And the food in general in Spain is fantastic.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Always felt safe when with a group.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

If you go in knowing how much you can/want to spend then you will be able to budget just fine.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only buy the things you really think you need.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 3860
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Know the words that will get you to the country. Once you're there your peers and will help you out.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Institute
  • The People
  • Fun classes
* What could be improved?
  • Some miscommunication about the excursions
  • More info on where we were living before getting there
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish i would have known how much of a "city" Sevilla is. It is a huge city with cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings. It is beautiful, but I did enjoy going to the beaches that were only an hour and a half to two hours away on the weekends by train.