Experience Spanish Culture and Language in a non-threatening way Past Review
By Kathryn A (Speech and Language Disabilities, SUNY - Binghamton) for
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
I certainly would do it again. I learned that the World is a VERY diverse place and it is so interesting to explore the culture of others. I would recommend this program for people with a variety of majors. You do not have to be a Spanish major to do this. I am a Speech Pathology student and it taught me a ton! Anyone who will be working with people from different cultural backgrounds should study abroad somewhere. Spain is a lively, eclectic, safe and colorful experience.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Spanish Art and Beginning Spanish Conversation |
| 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? |
I wish we were closer to downtown Madrid, but the area was not bad. |
| * Food: |
There was a lot of ham. I am normally not a picky eater, but I got very sick of ham in everything. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The World Cup was happening in Madrid. Lots of excitement. Tons of nightlife and fun people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had a cold throughout the whole program, but I dealt with it. The farmacias are SO helpful in Madrid, they basically prescribe meds right there. I never felt unsafe in Madrid. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | i probably spent 2,000 US dollars in additional expenses. Clothes, drinks, food, souvenirs and random. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | France is VERY expensive and the food is very expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke with some locals. I wish I had more time to improve my language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It truly is a fun and exciting program |
