Program: CIEE Advanced Liberal Arts & Liberal Arts in Seville, Spring
Samantha’s Major: Honors in the Liberal Arts, International Studies, Political Science, Public Policy Certificate, History Certificate
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
I learned how to become a lot more adaptable as Spain is pretty different from the United States and I was doing everything in a different language.
Studying abroad gave me the chance to go-with-the-flow in a lot more situations and experience new cultural aspects. While some parts of life in Spain were an adjustment, it taught me to be much more flexible as a person.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
If you are considering going to Seville, push yourself to do it! Some people are nervous because all of the classes are entirely in Spanish. You catch on really quickly because your entire life is in Spanish. With classes, a host family, and life out in the world being lived in a different language, it is a fantastic learning experience and you will grow a lot.
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
My program academics were really different from taking classes at UW-Madison—they were entirely in Spanish! The way that school is structured in Spain is very different than in the United States because there are fewer assignments and your grade is split between your midterm and your final, and if you’re lucky, one other class project. Additionally, my classes were a combination of lectures and discussions each for an hour and forty minutes two times per week. It was really interesting getting to learn differently than I do at home.