Challenging and rewarding with both structure and adequate freedom. Past Review
By Justin J (ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND ENGINEERING-RELATED FIELDS., Berea College) - abroad from 08/20/2014 to 12/20/2014 with
CIEE: Madrid - Engineering & Society
It was absolutely worth it. I learned more about the ever-important skill of balancing academics with "normal life". It was a challenge to manage time in academics and play/travel/exploring. There are little things I would do differently, but I would do it again in a heart beat.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program was well run and I felt supported during the whole program. The direct enroll courses were difficult and different from what I was used to, but the program advisors helped me along the way and connected me with tutors and other resources at the University. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
A wonderful group of people from around the world. They were experienced and good at their jobs. They became friends from the beginning. I cannot say enough good about Eero, Sonia, and Patricia! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was placed in a very central home stay with a wonderful woman. She was extremely supportive and patient with my language learning. She gave me plenty of privacy while always being available to me. I could not have asked for better. |
| * Food: |
My host was a great cook and the local food was easy to get when my host wasn't around or able to cook for me. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program did a good job of providing opportunities for us to meet and spend time with Spaniards. The only downside was that my upper level classes were in english and all of the Spanish students wanted to speak english with me, so it was hard to improve my Spanish on campus. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any major health issues, but I was provided with plenty of resources, insurance, and information on health. I felt very supportive and save even if I had some problems, sickness, injury etc... |
| * Safety: |
We were well informed about emergency procedures and resources as well as educated in good practices for traveling and living in Spain. |
| 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) |
Madrid was not cheap, and there were a number of things I wanted to do or places I wanted to see that I didn't because of financial restraints. But I had more than enough to be comfortable, safe, well fed, and have some fun. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Approximately $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you like to eat out and do the more traditional "tourist" activities, it adds up very quickly. Look out for free stuff to do like parks, public institutions, special offers etc... |
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 |
I had a short 5 week Spanish intensive course and the staff were very encouraging and Spoke with me in Spanish as much as I could handle! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 102 (one year of study) |
| 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? | Go crazy, use every opportunity to practice. Even if it's for only a few minutes each day, practice every day without fail. You lose it fast. |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
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? | The academics are serious. The Spanish technical courses are no joke and the grading system is unforgiving. There are few graded assignments all weighted heavily so it is difficult to build a good grade through small homework assignments; It's all in testing. It's hard to make friends if you don't drink or party much, I could have been more prepared for that. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
