639 reviews
4.27 / 5 based on 639 reviews
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Melissa D
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Because I took more advantage of travel and nighlife opportunities while abroad than I do while at home.
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Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was more expensive than at home.
Telephone:
was the same price as at home.
Food, Housing:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Keep track of your money. Use your ATM to take out money or open a Spanish account. US Dollars go much further than Spanish Pesetas. Don't use travelers checks. Many places don't except them.
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Melissa D
Languages
Language of instruction: Spanish
Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Spanish
How much did you improve your Spanish?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
I had studied Spanish in high school and college but was not sufficiently prepared to live in a Spanish-speaking country. When I arrived, I struggled for 3 months to understand people and muster the courage to speak. After that, it was much easier to learn the language and take the risk of speaking to people, despite making some mistakes. Taking classes in Spanish and living with Spaniards enabled me to become fluent in the language.
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Melissa D
Overall
I wish I had known...
I recommend international experiences for all American students. While programs tend to be expensive, look into state university programs -- then tend to be cheaper and allow you to take classes at a host university rather than an American center or institute.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
The university is great for American students who want to attend a Spanish university. Located in the center of Sevilla, it's within walking distance to the center.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Go study abroad for an academic year. 3-4 months is not enough time to get acculturated to your new environment. Once you do become more accostomed to living in another country and culture, it's time for you to leave. A year, while it may seem like a long time, is a more worthwhile investment for you and your growth.
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Melissa D
Academic
Course recommendations
Take general courses in the university as opposed to the "Cursos para Extranjeros" program that the university provides. In the general courses, you'll have more of a choice and be able to meet local and international students. Keep in mind though that the majority of university courses last for a year rather than a semester.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
The "Cursos para Extranjeros" should challenge American student more. The program should also separate students out based on language level -- you had students in your class with 1-2 years of Spanish and others with near fluency. I would also suggest requiring students to take grammar and translation courses.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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Melissa D
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Travel, Nightlife, Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Favorite Tapas bars were in Triana, away from the river. However, Cafe de la Prensa for coffee along the river was a favorite spot. For nightlife, Bestiario played the best hip-hop in Sevilla.
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Melissa D
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - My choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I've lived in apartments with Spaniards both years that I was living in Spain for study and work. I think you gain a more realistic experience and understanding of the culture when living with people around your own age, especially if you become friends with them. You are also able to practice your language skills on a daily basis.
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Personal comments
The university program initially set us up with a family. However, we lived with other American students and paid too much money for the time and place. I chose to find my own housing.
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