Madrid: When Can I Go Back?? Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Summer school at Antonio de Nebrija was certainly very different from summer school in the United States. The courses were more challenging, but there was not as much homework as I am used to with summer classes. The professors seemed to really care about their students and helping them achieve. I took three classes: Spanish Grammar & Usage, Spanish History & Culture, and Spanish Conversation. All the classes were taught completely in Spanish. None of the professors spoke any English. The History class was a lecture style class completely in Spanish--it was very difficult at first, but as I spent time in Madrid it became easier to understand what was being said. The other two classes were more seminar-styled; the professors conversed rather than lectured. All three classes were interesting, engaging, and challenging. I learned so much during my summer in Madrid and ended up receiving all As (which was nice; I spent all of high school studying in Singapore where the course load was equally challenging, but my hard work was rewarded with straight Bs).

On-site administration of your program

The program directors were amazing. They answered any and all questions we had, were always available when they were needed, and most importantly--they didn't hover. For the most part, they left us alone. Unless we were doing an API-sponsored activity, we interacted very little. But the interactions we did have were positive. I would highly recommend API, if only because the program administration treated us more like adults than the administration of programs my friends have been on and told me about.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I would highly recommend living with a host family. It did wonders for my language-learning. My family was incredible; they kept me fed and treated me as more a family member than anything else.

The food was incredible. Spanish food is flavorful but not particularly spicy. In a word--delicious.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you go to Madrid, you must visit El Tigre, an amazing tapas bar. As far as social interactions go, the nightlife in Madrid is phenomenal. I met so many friends just by going out at night--and not only Spanish friends, but people from everywhere from Australia to Bulgaria. I would also recommend making a trip out to El Escorial, the palace outside of Madrid, or Segovia or Toledo, small towns nearby with rich cultural histories. The many museums in Madrid (especially the Prado) make really great daytime activities, and there's always something fun to do in Retiro Park. But don't make the mistake of limiting yourself to the activities in guidebooks. Some of my favorite memories of Madrid occurred when I just got on the train and got off at a random station, then walked around for hours. You always find something to do, and if not, entertainment is sure to find you.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

API was very thorough in their opening workshop with us in regards to health and safety.

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

I spoke very little English while abroad. Before going to Spain, I had studied Spanish in high school and had one semester of entry-level Spanish in college. After studying for the summer, I would probably be considered functionally fluent.

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