Spain is a great study abroad Past Review
By Kate L (Interior Design, Mount Mary University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain
This experience was very beneficial. I'm more sensitive to different cultures. People are very different depending on their culture and I think it's really interesting. It has increased my love of interacting with people. I am an interior design student so in the future I will need to interact with different people from different cultures very often. This has increased my confidence in doing that.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My Senora was very helpful in forcing me to use Spanish. She encouraged me to speak with her often about many different things and it improved my skills greatly. I would encourage anyone that is studying abroad to live with a host family. |
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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: |
I felt safe all of the time. It is important to know that there are pick pockets and things like that but if you act smart and are aware of your surroundings you will be fine. I stayed out late a few times and always felt safe and secure. It's important to travel in groups of friends and keep a map with you at all times. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced with my Senora, friends and locals. Many locals did speak English and wanted to speak English but once we asked them to speak Spanish, there was no issue. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you feel that your Spanish speaking skills are far from perfect...go on a study abroad trip. It was so helpful to hear and use Spanish daily. My speaking and listening skills improved so much. I'm a quiet person but this forced me to speak more and gain confidence in a foreign language. Students who plan on taking advantage of this particular study abroad program should make a list of everything they want to do within their short study abroad. I never wanted to stay at home and just relax. I was always out walking and exploring the city with other friends. It's important to speak with locals and socialize with them to really get a feel for how they live and what is different from our own culture. I recommend eating most meals at your host families house in order to save as much money as you can. I also recommend purchasing a monthly pass for the Metro because depending on where you live, you will use it often. |
