Past Review
By Melissa W (Political Science and Government., Providence College) for
API (Academic Programs International): Madrid - Suffolk University
I realized how much I enjoyed living outside the US and will definitely be traveling after graduation.
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. |
I had one of the best political science teachers I have ever had. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were very helpful when needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Manuel Bercerra, which was a perfect location to get to different places throughout Madrid. Very nice neighborhood. <br /><br /> We had a beautiful apartment with more than enough space. The location was perfect for getting around the city. We had a neighbor below that gave us problems, but everything else was more than I could ask for. |
| * Food: |
I was not a fan of the food in Spain, especially as a vegetarian. But I could cook for myself at my apartment, which was great. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Spain has such an exciting and vibrant culture, it was amazing to experience it. I would definitely recommend going to a soccer game, and going out for tapas. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I got sick a few times but was able to get medication from the pharmacies. Although there was a lot of pick pocketing, especially in tourist spots and on the metro, I thought Madrid was very safe and I felt very comfortable going places independently once i got to know the city. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Create a budget knowing that you will be way over it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It was amazing. I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of going abroad. I completely fell in love with Madrid and everyone in the program made my experience that much better. |
