Unforgettable experience in Madrid with incredible support from API Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt adequately challenged, especially since I took all my classes in Spanish. I didn't want a program that required me to study obsessively, so the Nebrija classes were perfect. I took Spanish for Business, Contemporary Spanish History, Spanish Cinema, and Conversational Spanish. The courses ultimately were approved by Texas A&M, and helped me finish my Spanish minor.

On-site administration of your program

I could not have been more pleased with the API Resident Directors in Madrid. Quique and Maria Angeles are extremely knowledgable, encouraging, and all around great people. From Day 1, they helped make me feel at home and safe in Madrid. They held the orientation at a hotel for a few days, so that we could get comfortable with Madrid and each other. Then, as the semester progressed, they led trips, activities, and more. Additionally, whenever I had a problem, question, or simply wanted to practice Spanish, they encouraged me (and the rest of the API participants) to visit the office and talk with them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I greatly enjoyed my host experience. I lived with a woman in her early seventies in her apartment in the heart of Madrid. She didn't speak much English, which really helped me gain fluency. She took care of everything - washing my clothes, cleaning my room, taking care of me when I was sick, and feeding me delicious food. Almost a year later, I still stay in contact with her, and plan on visiting her when I return to Madrid!

The food was absolutely delicious - my favorites were croquetas, tortilla de patata, sandwiches de jamon y queso, and paella. The only reason I give this four stars is simply because I am from Texas, and I love spicy food, something that Spanish food is not.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt extremely integrated with the culture, especially since I lived with a host mom. Although the Nebrija campus I took classes at mostly consisted of American and international students, I still met tons of Spaniards through friends and simply by going out at night.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to deal with healthcare twice on my trip. Once, I had pink eye, and after calling the API Resident Directors, they helped me set up a doctor appointment and get my prescription eye drops. They also answered all my questions about payment, location, prescriptions, etc. I also had an incident where I fell in one of the metro stations and injured my knee. One of the RD's met me in a cab, took me to the ER, and waited with me while the doctor examined me and prescribed medication to me. She (the RD) also went with me to pick up prescriptions and then dropped me off at my apartment. She also helped me work out the hospital bill with the insurance company (the insurance is paid for with the API program fee).

I felt extremely safe in Madrid, even at night. As a guy, I hardly ever had problems just walking around the city. Ladies, keep in mind that Spanish guys like calling out at girls, but most of the time, they mean no harm and won't touch you. That being said, I never recommend that any girls walk around alone at night. At El Rastro, a large outdoor Sunday flea market, a lot of students had their wallets/money stolen. Just be aware of your surroundings, keep your wallet towards the front of your body, and don't carry too much, and you'll be fine.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

API's program fee covered most of my big expenses, including food, living arrangements, and a couple of trips. However, Madrid is a little more expensive than small towns, although it is probably one of the most cost-friendly cities in Europe. Most of the extra money I spent during the week went towards my metro pass, cabs, and going out to bars/clubs.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

They encouraged use of the language especially once we got further into the semester and our coursework.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students

• API Resident Directors
• Included Trips/Excursions
• City of Madrid

• Possibly More Intercambio Opportunities

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer