Best semester in Spain Past Review

By (Study Abroad CIEE Madrid, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/11/2017 to 06/30/2017 with

CIEE: Madrid - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My ability to speak Spanish has improved and I had a wonderful time living in and exploring Madrid. It is a beautiful city and the people are very welcoming and friendly. Traveling around Spain was a pleasure. I would recommend it to anyone. Madrid is a brilliant city to spend a semester in. I had a great time ad felt like I gained a lot from the experience. I learned about Spanish culture, made friends with international students and locals, and made unforgettable memories. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I really liked Madrid. It was a wonderful place and it felt like home for a couple months.

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
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Living in Madrid
  • Field trips all optional
  • Great staff
* What could be improved?
  • Less mandatory activities at the start
  • more streamlined orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The commute time to Universidad Carlos III