Past Review
By Madeline B (Spanish & American Studies, Wellesley College) for
CIEE: Madrid - Liberal Arts
It was extremely worthwhile. I got to completely immerse myself into another culture and it really opened my eyes. Even though its very different than the states, I ended up loving the Spanish way of life and miss it already. I learned that only once you step outside your comfort zone can you really experience growth.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Carlos III |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2010 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Well balanced academics so that I had time to appreciate the cultural experience. Professors had reasonable expectations and I learned a lot, despite it being less difficulty/demanding then Wellesley. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was very organized. Directors got to know the students personally which was nice. Provided a wealth of information; although sometimes babied us, but when you're in a new, foreign place that wasn't necessarily a bad thing! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Super tiny apartment in a middle-to-lower socio-economic neighborhood in Madrid. 4 stops from the city-center which was fairly close although many of my program peers were right in the center. My hosts were a young couple (about 30), at the beginning stages of their careers. I really enjoyed their company, practicing Spanish with them and the meals they made me. I was on a full meal plan meaning they provided all my meals, which was a good experience. <br /><br /> Loved the host family, location was good but could've been a teeny bit more central. Hosts treated me very well. Apartment was REALLY tiny but I didn't have much higher expectations because Madrid is a big city. 45 minute commute to campus, but I was closer than some of my peers so I can't complain. Would much prefer to be where I was in Madrid (vs closer to campus in the suburb of Getafe). |
| * Food: |
Tasty, healthy meals. Was a bit tricky to allign myself with their eating schedule everyday but we did the best we could. If I didn't eat with them, there were plenty of affordable, quick options around Madrid (being a capital city etc). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had a great weekend trip to the Canary Islands. Program also sent us a weekly email with cultural activities. During orientation we had great walks led by our program directors around the city which helped us get to know the place. We also did a scavenger hunt a few weeks in which was very fun and helped connect the dots between the neighborhoods of the city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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? | $50-70/week. ($100 if there was shopping involved). I would eat an occasional meal out, but buying drinks and club entrance fees on the weekends added up. Advice- find out about the "free entry" nights @ clubs, or coupons you can pick up outside the venues. These numbers do not include my travel fees, which add up due to flights, hostels and meals. But there are budget friendly solutions to these expenses, such as Ryan air flights, hostelworld.com. Some hostels have kitchens that you can use and cook your own meals to save $. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep track of your spending, things can really add up. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 263 (literature) |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Living with a host family, learning from Spanish professors and mingling with Spaniards during nights out all contributed to greatly improving my Spanish language skills. I'd highly recommend students in this program to break out of the "American" program group and get to know locals. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Only sign up for Mon-Thur classes. Get ready for a total flip of your schedule- huge lunch @ 2pm, light dinner @ 10pm, and on the weekends: party til 6am! |
