Study Abroad in Spain - An experience that changed my life forever! Past Review
By A student (Global Studies and Spanish, Providence College) - abroad from 08/26/2015 to 12/23/2016 with
CIEE: Madrid - Liberal Arts
I learned a lot about myself. I also learned a lot about what I want to do in the future. I wish I stayed longer, and am most definitely going to return to Spain in the near future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration and staff is amazing. They are always there to help, and give you a great social and cultural experience while abroad. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing, and really was one of the best parts of my experience! I can now say I have a second family in Spain! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Madrid is generally a safe city. However, always be on alert with bags and personal belongings. I felt very safe walking at night or during the day by myself and never had any safety issues. |
| 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? | 75-100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan your trips carefully because they can get pricey |
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 |
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| 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? | SPN 312 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Always try speaking Spanish, and if they switch to English tell them you are trying to practice. Also try to find language exchanges while you are there and read books in Spanish. It helps a lot. |
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? | More about the host university. |
