A semester in Madrid- Incredibly Rewarding! Past Review

By Mary A (History, Union University) for

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Madrid, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I improved my language and intercultural skills immensely. I met great people and built lasting friendships. Living abroad reshaped my understanding of who I am. I saw amazing sights and participated in incredibly enriching experiences. Study Abroad was one of the best experiences of my life.

Review Photos

CEA Global Education: Madrid, Spain Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Antonio de Nebrija
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The classes at Nebrija were ideal. We learned tremendous amounts from our professors (who knew our names and personalities and were kind, helpful, and just great people). They go above and beyond! The workload was really light, perfect for actually engaging with the city and not just studying all the time. I couldn't be happier the independence and personal attention I got as a student with CEA at Antonio de Nebrija.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	CEA staff in Madrid are super helpful, friendly, and great sources of information. They are attentive and knowledgeable!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived with an older woman who only spoke Spanish. She was great. I learned so much from our conversations! If you have a good attitude, it's a great situation. The apartment was big, comfy, and right in the city center, in an incredibly safe neighborhood. Madrid is beautiful, safe, easy to navigate, and super fun. My host also provided internet access, which is not required by the program.
* Food:	The food she cooked was great! Just have an adventurous and flexible attitude.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	It's really what you make of it. They helped us understand how real Spaniards have fun and live life. We went to Segovia and had a nice tour, and also spent a weekend in Sevilla/Córdoba, which was pretty fun. Some participants thought they didn't provide us enough excursions for the cost, but I'm unsure.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I always felt safe, even at night. Just be smart and aware and try not to be too conspicuous. One girl in our program got really sick and had to spend weeks in the hospital. But the staff were really helpful and took care of her and the insurance paid for her dad to fly to Spain and help look after her. They also helped her get back into the swing of things after missing lots of school.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* 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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	Our professors didn't speak English with us. However, they were patient with all levels of language and made sure we understood everything. My Spanish is SO improved! However, having only foreigners as classmates means we spoke English with each other and didn't get to meet many Spaniards through school.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	This program is for students who like to be independent and adventurous but still want to have the orientation and supporting community that CEA provides.