Interesting...not what I expected but glad I experienced it. Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 06/08/2019 to 07/07/2019 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): ​Madrid 2017

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Spanish culture or the lack there of because of the history. The country is also very Americanized as is a lot of European countries which is ironic I suppose. It was worthwhile. The world has really beautiful places on it and we are blessed to live in a position where we can explore it.

Review Photos

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): ​Madrid 2017 Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): ​Madrid 2017 Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): ​Madrid 2017 Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): ​Madrid 2017 Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): ​Madrid 2017 Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

The host family situation was good personally but I saw as friends of mine struggled with various issues regarding the families. I also felt as though the program could have provided more inclusive and altogether activities

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? $200/week

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPA 360
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The teachers at sampere are amazing and deserve the world!
  • The excursions to andalucia!
  • The amount of people I met.
* What could be improved?
  • Host families
  • More excursions to the beach
  • Locating the program in a less Americanized city. Sampere has a location in Alicante which is a BEAUTIFUL town!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Madrid or city life is VERY fast paced! Be ready to run everywhere and be constantly ready to go.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.