Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors were involved and very concerned with the students' understanding of Spanish. Obviously, as a study abroad program, NYU in Madrid was easier than being at Tufts. But I do feel like I learned a lot. My goal for studying abroad in Madrid for the academic year was to learn Spanish and my classes definitely helped me accomplish that.

On-site administration of your program

Student life directors, Caitlin and Megan, are so great, fun, and understanding. Lots of great recommendations for the city. The academic administration was a little unorganized and if you need help you have to be very persistent with them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a homestay the first semester and an apartment the second semester. Homestay was good- I lived with another American, a Dominican, and a Venezuelan. Nice, clean apartment and friendly host mom though she was a little overbearing at times. Good food. My apartment was amazing- right in the city center, huge rooms, unbelievable location, and receptive, friendly, English-speaking landlord. <br /><br /> NYU does a great job to accommodate you and make sure they really consider what you list as your preferences. All the apartments are so nice and I never heard of anybody having problems in their homestay.

Food in Madrid is amazing, but you have to know where to go and what to get. There is some pretty awful food in the city and you usually have to spend a bit more and go to very spanish places to get great food. My favorite restaurants: La Panza es Primero- Mexican restaurant throughout the city, but the one in Chueca is the best. Amazing nachos con guacamole and very friendly service Maceiras- Calle de las Huertas 66, seafood from Galicia. Order the cheese plate and navajas (razor clams) Cuenco- more expensive seafood restaurant in the north of the city. Great to take your parents to.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Fun people who really cared about learning Spanish and being in Madrid but also loved to go out.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The only thing safety-related that you need to worry about is getting pick pocketed. I was always very careful and got my purse stolen. You WILL get your wallet/stuff stolen if you aren't paying attention.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

My Spanish skills improved tenfold throughout the academic year, mainly because of my classes in Spanish but also from living in a homestay first semester and from making an effort to speak Spanish while out.

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• Other

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• Americans