BU Madrid is a great program and there is plenty of time to travel! Past Review
By Isabelle R (Psychology; Health: Science, Society & Policy; Hispanic Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2016 to 05/07/2016 with
Boston University: Madrid - Madrid Internship
I improved my spanish-speaking skills, I felt very independent, and I learned how to immerse myself in a new culture. Definitely worthwhile!
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 took classes at the BU international institute in Madrid. The courses were challenging, but I felt like I was at the right level. All my classes were in Spanish, and the teachers hardly spoke in English. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very satisfied! I loved my two abuelos (grandparents). They let me come and go as I pleased, and they were very supportive and caring. My host parents did not speak any English. |
| * Food: |
Loved the food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I wish I had made more Spanish friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had a major health issue while abroad. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in 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) |
Host parents provided most meals, and the BU program gave us stipends for Friday and Saturday dinners. Madrid is fairly inexpensive compared to other European countries. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Very much so in classes, but outside of classes I mostly spoke English with my friends. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Hisp 109 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Spend time with your host family! |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | nothing |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
