Spain: I'd Go Back In A Heartbeat Past Review
By Trisha S (Politics and Law, Bryant University) for
API (Academic Programs International): Madrid - Suffolk University
Being able to travel around Europe made me more culturally aware of my surroundings. It made me appreciate many aspects of my life in America as well as admire some of Europe's. I could definitely see myself living in Europe at some point in my life and plan on traveling as much as I can. Studying abroad has made me realize my independence and not be afraid to seize great opportunities when they are presented.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were much easier than Bryant which was nice so then I could focus on enjoying myself traveling or experiencing the culture. The school was an American school though so most of the students were American. I wish there were more Europeans and local Spaniards to meet. The faculty were super friendly and made class enjoyable. The school was very small though so the class time/selection is very limited. Everything else was the same in terms of their educational system as it is an American institution. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program size was perfect (about 25). Our directors were extremely knowledgeable about the places we visited. They were always willing to help. My expectations were more than met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location of our dorm was fabulous as it was in walking distance of the nightlife and an easy 30 minute metro ride to school. All the items to settle-in were included. The host ladies cooked us 3 meals a day, made our beds, cleaned our rooms, and did our laundry for us once a week. The only complaint I had were of the bathrooms as the showers were small and dirty and the shower heads were always broken. I liked living there. |
| * Food: |
The dorm food was either a hit or a miss. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Trip to Paris. I also really enjoyed the trips to the movies and dancing lessons as those made me feel immersed in the culture. And the Thanksgiving dinner was very special. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
pick pocketing is always a concern in Europe. As long as you are smart and safe about your personal belongings you will be fine. I never had anything stolen/lost. Our program's healthcare was good. No vaccines. |
| 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
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | I loved API. We had many included benefits in our program such as excursions, city field trips, movies, dinners, and dance lessons. Madrid is a lot of fun, but not too overwhelming. Suffolk University is primarily Americans so I highly recommend living in a dorm to meet the local students. |
