Summer in Madrid: Language Immersion Past Review
By Anna V (Organismic & Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University) for
Boston University: Madrid - Spanish Studies Program, Summer
I loved the chance to be exposed to a different culture and learned a lot from the experience. I am now planning to minor in the language and continue taking courses related to the culture of Spanish-speaking regions.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was very manageable and much of the grading was based on class participation and oral presentations- much like the language courses at my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff were fantastic- so enthusiastic and knowledgeable! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a fantastic host family that treated me in most respects as one of the family by included me in family outings, but also never let me lift a finger to clean or do laundry. My host family lived in a very safe location that was close to class and other useful places like a park. |
| * Food: |
My host family made amazing vegetarian foods! It was a little more difficult finding vegetarian options while eating out, but still manageable. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had wonderful trips to other cities of Spain and visited beautiful palaces, museums and cathedrals. The highlight of my trip was seeing my host mother dance in a flamenco show. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The only real safety issue was theft. I did not have any health-related issues while abroad. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I lived very cheaply and the program provided money for dinner on Friday and Saturday so I only spent about 20 euro per week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be prepared to shell out for the enticing gelato and bakery displays that are everywhere in Spain! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 40 (fifth semester equivalent) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was able to practice with fellow students, my host family and the staff at the Institute. It wasn't necessary to use it in everyday interactions with locals because most spoke English, but they seemed to appreciate the effort to speak their language. |
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 did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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