Growing up in Seville Past Review

By (process management and consulting, The College of William and Mary) for

William and Mary: Seville - William and Mary in Seville

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I learned the importance of being open and understanding. I also learned the value of trying new things and seeing new places.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad Pablo de Olavide
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think that the workload was a little more than I would have expected or hoped for when I am attempting to travel and immerse myself in the culture in other way besides academically.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think that while the on site program provider was responsive to any questions or concerns we had, I think it would have been nice for the on site provider to check in on the students and ask for feedback every once in a while.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed my host family situation. I felt that it was safe and convenient. I did not need to buy any items to settle in, they were always provided. I was treated well by the host family.

* Food:

I feel that the quality of the food in my host families house was at times not of the best quality. My host mom was very accommodating to the fact that I did not eat very much meat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Morrocco trip. Trip to Toledo.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Getting the right cell phone company that most of your friends have will save you a lot of money.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? HISP 305
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I think that by making sure to speak spanish in your household even if you are around other english speakers, your spanish will improve significantly.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would advise them to figure out what classes they want to take by talking to one of their counselors early on and make sure to know what credits it will give them. I also suggest that they make sure they take advantage of traveling abroad. They should make sure to save money so that they can spend it on traveling rather than food, and therefore should plan to eat most of their meals at their host families house.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Flamenco

Course Department:
Instructor: Pepe Sanchez
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: A very interesting course though it was challenging. I felt that the workload was not overwhelming and that the grading was fair.
Credit Transfer Issues: