Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics were not necessarily rigorous, which was enjoyable. The classes required you to be there, and definitely were formatted to mirror that of an American institution, but they were not as challenging as I expected them to be. Professors were aware that students often had reasons for going abroad OTHER than academics (such as travel...)

On-site administration of your program

The program was strong in the sense that the classes and environment were very American and extremely easy to adjust to. Also, there were a lot of Spanish and international students there as well, which made the experience highly cultural and fulfilling. The weaknesses were that a lot of the technical support (especially computers and internet) was lacking or difficult to get. Also the program could have had more involvement with its students. I felt that I would have liked to have been more involved on campus or joined a club or something, but this just wasn't readily available to study abroad students (only to permanent students). Nothing gets done on time either and the administration is pretty relaxed...but that's just the Spanish attitude and definitely something you got used to. Everything else was amazing. I especially loved my host family :)

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my host family. I lived with a mother, father, their two young sons and their great grandmother. I also had four other female american roommates. All of us girls got along very well and the host family was especially welcoming and accomodating. We lived right by the Royal Palace and right next to the Opera with Maria del Mar and her family. The location was FANTASTIC and CENTRAL to everything, but, as a consequence, a bit noisy at night and during the afternoon. (Lots of street performers outside). Totally worth it though for the ease of accessibility and fabulous views. <br /><br /> LOVED everything. Location, family, and their apartment were all above my expectations. Neighborhood was very safe, cute, and RIGHT NEXT to Sol (the major place for nightlife!)

there were some scary moments at my host family's dinner table (including a squid ink fettish I did not approve of) but everything else was very easy and tasty. They LOVE ham. it goes in or on or with everything they eat. I'm lactose intolerant and I never had an issue over there with food, which was nice. Definitely hit up local places for food. they're all mostly good.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very hands off and make of it what you will. If you want a social experience, get out at night and do fun things during the day. Travel a lot! The university organized some day trips in the beginning and that was how I met a lot of my friends. They also did a good job of advertising local and Spanish holidays so that students were aware of the culture behind them! My favorite thing I did in Madrid was see a rap battle/ concert in Plaza de Espana on La Noche en Blanco. AMAZING and the rappers were very good!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Madrid is a big city, like New York. Be careful or your stuff will get stolen. Dont act ignorant and drunk on the streets and keep a good head on your shoulders and no one will bother you. Health issues and support were amazing on campus. Pickpocketing is prominent in the city (as I said) but I ALWAYS felt very safe walking the streets alone at night! Everyone is out on the streets from 12pm to 6am. The city is a LOT like New York. They never sleep and I always felt extremely safe.

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

I learned SO much Spanish from taking a class there, living with a Spanish speaking host family, and also from interacting with the locals a lot. I definitely feel much more comfortable speaking Spanish than I ever have in my life. I love the language! It seemed just as I started to gain fluency though that I had to leave. I would definitely recommend staying for a year so you get to really USE the spanish you learn while studying here!

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• Host Family

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• Americans