Trying at times but life changing. Past Review
By Genevieve G (HISTORY., The College of William and Mary) for
William and Mary: Seville - William and Mary in Seville
It was definitely a worthwhile experience. I became a stronger person from it and feel like I can do anything on my own now.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall the University was pretty good, the quality of the students there were not the same as William and Mary, but the professors were knowledgeable and committed. It was frustrating at times being in a University where grades for most students did not matter, but for us they did. Also the location was far away from where we which became tiring at times. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was very nice, very safe, central to all the main attractions. It was way too far to the university and since we had to pay our own way to go to school, it became a bit costly. If we went to the University of Sevilla that would have been walking distance. The host family was nice, tried to make us feel comfortable. But at times were pushy with food and things of that nature. Its hard being very independent and wanting to go off and do your own thing but instead being told what to do and when to eat/how much to eat. |
| * Food: |
It was difficult eating the amount given to us on a daily basis, we felt like we had to finish everything on our plates in order to not be rude. The food at times was good, but coming off being a Vegetarian proved to be more difficult than I expected. My host mom tried her best to be accommodating but it was still difficult transition. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a budget for yourself and stick to it. Traveling brings unexpected fees so prepare for that. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 281 Intro to Hispanic Studies |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced Spanish with most people in my group, with my host family, and in school, as well as in everyday life (most people here do not speak English) |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I feel like everyone should go into this with an open mind. Those who have not experienced lots of different cultures in their lifetime should definitely study abroad because it opens your eyes to a whole new world. |
