Program Reviews

I really enjoyed my time abroad in Seville and especially at UPO! My host mother was wonderful and Seville is a fantastic place to live. Everything is within walking distance or easily accessible by the metro, and it's very safe (even at night). There are a couple of things I wish I had known before coming, though - international students typically don't take classes with Spanish students and are actually on a different semester schedule, so although there is the opportunity for language exchange partners, it was a lot harder to actually be immersed in Spanish than I expected. Additionally, the add/drop dates for classes are very short, only 1-2 days of class, so it's hard to switch Spanish classes if you end up in the wrong level. That being said, all of my professors were wonderful and we also had Fridays off every week, which meant we were able to travel much more easily!

Adelante did give us the wrong semester dates during the summer, which meant I had to switch my flights after coming to Spain, but they did send me a refund for those additional costs. However, they also recommended that students not apply for visas after the semester dates had been extended, which I was uncomfortable with given that we stayed past the 90 days allowed for tourists. I ended up getting a student visa regardless and am glad that I did (and would also recommend future students to do so)! It's also worth noting that a couple of things advertised on Adelante's website or in the orientation packet didn't end up happening, like the first-week meeting with the on-site director.

A couple of other things to note are that the 2 meals provided are usually either breakfast and lunch or breakfast and dinner, so I would definitely recommend bringing a container or two for lunch and some packable utensils. Meals at the cafeterias are around $5, so although they're decently cheap on occasion, they're less affordable on a daily basis. Seville also does get cold, so I would recommend packing warmer clothes! It stays a lot warmer than most of the US, but because a lot of buildings and home stays don't have much indoor heating, it can still be really cold indoors. Also, everything outdoors is built to channel wind so it stays cool enough during the summer - which is great, but means the fall/winter can be freezing if you're outside!

Studying in Barcelona was an amazing opportunity that I will forever be grateful for. The language school we attended, Kingsbrook, was great and I learned so much in my first two weeks there. Kingsbrook is also a perfect way to meet and make friends from all around the world. I did not have the best luck with my internship, it was pretty far away (close to an hour and a half one way), and I really did not learn anything, especially anything that would be beneficial to my career. Some of that is out of the program's control, but I do wish I was met with more understanding when expressing my concerns. The house we were originally placed in was also not clean, as advertised, but this was quickly taken care of by the staff in Barcelona and we were able to find new living arrangements. The experience is definitely what you make it and it's important to explore, make new friends and go out of your comfort zone. Adelante has great pricing for all that is included and a program that I would recommend, I just wish the communication was better.

I spent an amazing one month and one week in Barcelona and had the time of my life. While abroad, I studied in a small language school called Kingsbrook Idiomas and met so many different students from all over the world (over 12 different countries to be exact). The school had a variety of students from young to old and we all became fast friends. I took classes twice a day, 5 days a week with the most wonderful teachers and explored the city through different excursions once a week with my class. From beach days to bike tours, we did it all! Being a part of this program has given me the opportunity to improve my Spanish in both an educational setting and in a social one. It was amazing to be able to talk with people from all over the world and know that it is Spanish that has allowed us to connect. I was placed with awesome room-mates and the living space was average but comfortable. Traveling through Adelante was a very pleasant experience; from airport pickup to providing living accommodations and classes. I would recommend taking the leap to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity, and don't forget to soak up every minute because time sure does fly when you're having fun.

I was put in a place to succeed even with very little prior Spanish skills, Adelante was very accommodating throughout the process! Everything about the program was great: the 2-week Spanish course, the internship, the housing and of course the wonderful city itself all made for a perfect experience. I highly recommend this program to anyone that loves to travel, would like the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, or even simply someone looking for meaningful work experience (though I guarantee you will get more out of your time here than that!)

I absolutely loved my experience living in Sevilla through the Adelante Abroad program. This is not your typical study abroad program in which they hold your hand throughout the entire process. You are expected to be completely independent and self-sufficient, and the contacts that you have in your city are simply there for any questions or support that you may need. I loved the structure of the Adelante program because it enabled me to really immerse myself in the city like a local rather than only learning about the surface level/touristy aspects of Sevilla. The only Americans that I interacted with in my 3 months were my roommates and of the friends I made were from all around the world. I don't know of another program where I would have had the opportunity to completely make my own experience.

The simplicity of the program (in which they find you housing and internship placement and then leave you on your own) is also what makes this one of the most affordable abroad experiences. My university has a 5-week program in Sevilla that was 3 times the cost of Adelante and not half as immersive. That being said, if you are planning on doing an Adelante Internship you should be aware that the lack of structure in the program means you have to figure out everything on your own--food, travel logistics, budgeting, safety, socializing, etc. Your program is completely what you make of it, so make sure you are prepared to be pushed way out of your comfort zone. For me, this was the perfect program and if I could go back in time I would have done the exact same program over again.

Adelante provided me an incredible experience. This past summer I went to Madrid for the months June and July. It was my first time in Europe so naturally I was nervous, but the staff helped with all my questions and concerns. I had a ride when I got to the airport. They set me up with a beautiful apartment was in the city with a view and right next to the metro station. I absolutely loved the Spanish Class at Eureka. Ángel is literally and angel! He helped me so much and made my transition to Madrid to smooth! I learned so much from my internship and I got to meet so many amazing people from all over the world. Highly recommend!

During Summer of 2021, I lived in Quito for two months as a veterinary intern. As the title suggests, it was the ULTIMATE experience. Because of Adelante, I can confidently say that I have grown not only as a person, but also as a professional. Throughout the duration of my stay, I learned skills and gained knowledge that I would have never had the opportunity to obtain in the states. Come time to return to the U.S., I didn't want to leave. The people. The scenery. The FOOD. Everything was a dream and I didn't want to wake up (I know. It's corny... but it's true.) To anyone looking for an international internship- I can't recommend Adelante highly enough.

Pro Tips:
1) Ecuador is cold during U.S. summer months... bring a jacket. It also rains. A lot. Bring an umbrella.
2)Your Spanish doesn't have to be perfect, as people are typically patient, but be prepared. Little to no one speaks English.

There's really no way I could fully articulate my experience in Ecuador. Interning in this stunning South American country was... life-changing (I know- cliché- but it's true).

For two months, I had the absolute privilege of interning at a 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic. There, I learned skills and clinical information that I would have never gained in the states. When I wasn't working, I was cooking with my host family or exploring the local landscapes.

Come time to leave... I just didn't want to.

I signed up to do a Journalism/Social Media and Marketing internship with Adelante Abroad. Unfortunately, I wasn't placed with a magazine which would have been preferable, however the language school I worked at gave me free lessons alongside my internship which was a huge bonus and definitely improved my Spanish. I also took on responsibilities alongside writing articles in marketing and administration which will be good for my CV.
Accommodation was probably where the experience fell down. Don't expect to get the full package: a central location, other international students and a level of cleanliness. This isn't Adelante's fault, more the agent they work with and the pandemic that has reduced their pool of accommodation, but it is something you should bear in mind if you're used to living in "style".
However, I made lots of great friends and lived in an amazing city for three months. It's really boosted my experience and career and was a gateway into Barcelona.

Working for a civil engineering and architecture firm in Ecuador was the best way I could have spend the summer before my senior year of college. The program staff did a great job of preparing me for what my experience was going to be like abroad. My time in Ecuador stated with two weeks of one-on-one Spanish classes which dramatically improved my ability to speak the language. I lived with an Ecuadorian family which also helped improved my Spanish skills. My host mom cooked incredible traditional food and informed me on the best places to visit throughout my time. During my internship, I learned specific vocabulary necessary for working in a construction field, learned the differences between construction and engineering requirements in Ecuador and in the States, and learned how to communicate professionally in Spanish. I spent all of my weekends exploring different cities and places in Ecuador and learning more about their culture. These two months were an incredible experience and I cannot wait to return to Latin America.