Mucho de Madrid Past Review
By Hannah D (International Relations/ Spanish, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
ISA Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain
Of course, any time abroad is always worthwhile, whether it's bad, great, or just so-so. I have a lot of that to give credit to personal things such as having my boyfriend there since he's spanish, etc. Also, making some really great friends helped throughout the whole process no matter what comes your way, you can always use a friend to help you get through the cultural barrier. Especially to have them there to laugh about it with you.
Review Photos
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. |
The only downside was the lack of organization on ISA's part. The academics alone were amazing and perfect for those students who enjoy learning...yet I had some setbacks due to ISA. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The language acquisition was horrible due to ISA's choice in host mother. I lived with 3 other american girls with one spanish woman. She was not friendly at all in speaking to us, she never sat down to eat with us, she completely drove me crazy and upset me at any chance she could because she felt the need to only communicate with me the problems and issues that she had with the other girls. Also, if another girl did something she felt the need to complain to me and make me feel guilty. etc, I can explain in more detail if any one would like to contact me. |
| * Food: |
I specifically told ISA, as I have studied abroad with them previously in the summer prior to this trip, therefore they knew me more and even listened to me more ( I thought) because she fed us frozen food 98% of the time and did not feel the need to spend a good percent of the money she received from the organization on our meals...but instead decides to buy the most inexpensive, crappiest food ever so she could make the most profit. Maybe, I'm making assumptions but what else would one expect with 4 american girls always receiving the crappiest frozen food? |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Madrid is an amazing city and by far one of my favorites, there's no need to worry about not finding something or meeting people, etc. |
|
* 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? |
No
|
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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | anywhere from 20-100euros because of the horrible food situation at home. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Public transportation, cell phones, and during the excursions. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Please, consider other study abroad programs before deciding because it is so important in how everything else plays out. For example, housing situations, my classes, the food situation, my roommates, etc. |
