Such a great experience! Explored and learned a lot. January 18, 2022
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/30/2021 to 12/23/2021 with
CIEE: Madrid - Liberal Arts
I learned so much about how different every region of Spain is! I was able to explore so many other European countries, so it was a great experience. It was so worth it!
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. |
There was not many assignments. Also, I do fluently speak Spanish, so this greatly helped. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Overall admin help was great. They guided me well from the visa process and throughout my time abroad. The academic enrollment period was a little chaotic, and I wish we would have been more informed on how this would go. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family, and I absolutely loved it! They were amazing, so welcoming, and very helpful. Also, I lived very close to Puerta del Sol, which is the city center. Because of my central location, there was always many restaurants and social events that were easily accesible. |
| * Food: |
My host family cooked amazing foods as well as I feel like I greatly enjoyed the varied amount of food options in Madrid. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My host family greatly helped in integrating me socially and culturally. Also, I feel like going out and exploring with friends really helped in making me feel immersed. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
n/a |
| * Safety: |
I always felt safe in Madrid, whether it be the day or night! |
| 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) |
I think this depends a lot on the student. It depends on what one wants to do. For example, many people took the time to travel while abroad, and this was definitely a big factor in spending. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan your trip out and book flights early! |
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 |
All of my courses were taught in Spanish. 90% of my in person interactions with the program in Madrid were in Spanish. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | I would definitely say, if you're up for it, to stay with a host family. They were a big part of my practice with Spanish. |
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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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? | I wish I knew more about the student public transit card before arriving to Madrid! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
