Madrid-Intern program with Adelante. Past Review
By Ashley K (CDAE-Small Business, University of Vermont) for
Adelante: Madrid - Intern In Madrid
YES!! I would recommend study abroad to anyone and everyone. They are life changing experiences that you will cherish forever!
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. |
At the Open School of Languages I had a great experience both with my teachers and the administrative team they have in Madrid. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Perfect! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a Segovian girl who lived and worked in Madrid. Professional, young, fun and respectful. So as far as roommate standards go... an A+! and apartment! it was an average size.. clean and safe! so my parents were at ease when they heard where I was living and who I was living with. As I mentioned I got lucky all around with program... placement and company! |
| * Food: |
Whats not to love about spanish food!! from tapas to the wine.. you cant go wrong!! Be brave and try new things.. I tried rabo del toro and was like you want me to eat what... it was sooooo good!! so try and forget what your eating and enjoy! I dont have any restrictions nor allergies but for those who are Jewish and can not eat pork.. makes things interesting when all you see is Jamon Jamon Jamon but there are places and you can get still get good food. If you can believe there are spaniards who dont eat meat nor ham! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I saw research research research!! So many places to go and see... the sky is the limit!! Picos de Europa, Urkiola in the Basque Country, El Escorial, Toledo, Granada, Segovia, Salamanca, Barcelona, Mont Serrat, Cadaques, Girona.... Cabo de Gata, Sevilla, Aracena, Antequera, Valencia... i could go on and on! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Madrid is a safe city and for those who know or are from NYC. I felt more safe at night in Madrid then in NYC! |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a girl from Segovia and only spoke spanish both in and out of the home! For me it was the only way to improve and force me to learn and grow. To give you an idea.. I went there with a pretty good base but in only six months could hold a conversation and had much more confidence in my level of spanish after the program! |
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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A few things that helped me adjust are the following.... try and keep a very open mind going and not do the compare thing because there are so many differences.. its hard to compare apples to oranges. If you except certain things for who they are you will be so much happier.... sometimes you will encounter rude people but again we get that here. Try and go with the flow enjoy... meet the locals and have ball! or even una caña!! hehe. I also would recommend to go in informed... try and do your HW and ask around before opening a bank account, getting a mobile.. ect. |
