Unforgettable Summer in Spain Past Review
By Emily Eshoo (University of Tampa) - abroad from 06/01/2018 to 06/30/2018 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Summer in Madrid
My experience was worthwhile because my Spanish-speaking ability improved. I became educated about the culture and history of Spain. It also opened my eyes to the fact that there is so much in the world that I have not experienced. I became more independent and adventurous.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers were very helpful and available to answer questions. The only issue was that I had some difficulties in scheduling my classes, as the class scheduling process was pretty unorganized. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did not love how there was a dog. I also wish that the family made a little more of an effort to have family dinners in which we all sat down and had conversation. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very comfortable whenever I was touring the city. I felt very immersed in the culture by the end of my trip. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
For the most part, I felt comfortable walking around by myself. However, try to avoid going anywhere alone in the middle of the night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
My experience in Madrid was amazing. I came to love the hustle and bustle of Madrid city life. Culture was rich and adventure was always around the corner. There was always an opportunity to try something new; new places to explore, new cuisine to try, new activities to participate in. Madrid is a city that surprised me every single day. CISAbroad was extremely helpful in making me feel as comfortable as possible during my stay abroad. The onsite advisor was almost always available to answer my questions or resolve possible issues. The activities that CIS organized helped me build relationships with the other students in the program and helped me learn more about Spanish culture. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to study abroad, especially with such an organized, helpful, and caring program, CISAbroad. |
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 is not a very expensive city. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150-200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Getting tapas as a group can help save money when going out to dinner. Try to spend more money on experiences rather than clothing or souvenirs. |
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? | Advanced |
| 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? | 400 level class |
| 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? | Try to talk to the locals as much as possible. |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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 now know that not everything is going to be perfect and that there will be some situations that may be different to what I am used to here in the US. There are a number of cultural differences that I had to adjust myself to when I arrived in Spain. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
