Magnificent Madrid-language, culture, people Past Review
By Megan G (Hospitality Administration/Management., Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 07/13/2014 to 08/12/2014 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture in Madrid, Spain
I learned so much of the language as well as the culture of Spain. It was extremely worthwhile and I would never change my decision in studying abroad.
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. |
Overall my professors were wonderful in Madrid. They spoke Spanish all the time and helped out in anyway they could with extra work for practice when requested. I learned so much while in Madrid and it helped prepare me for my semester here in Spain. I'm so thankful for all the help and encouragment I received during this month. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration of Sampere was very upbeat, excited and helpful to all of us during out stay there. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I can't put enough emphasis on how amazing my experience was with my Spanish abuela. She will always have a very special place in my heart and I love her so much. I learned more in my home with her than I ever could in school and I'm so grateful for mi abuela (Manuela). |
| * Food: |
Mi abuela fue la mejor cocinera en todo el mundo!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I didn't really meet any locals which was a disappointment but was able to go to local activities and see some of the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No problems |
| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe in Madrid all the time. |
| 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) |
5. The only things I spend money on were things for myself and others back home. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much as you can before the trip and make sure you love what you're buying before you buy it. Also, if you go on a trip do what you can while you're in another country, you don't know when you'll return. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The professors gave a ton of encouragment to use the language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High school spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Try to speak to as many locals as possible as well as your host family. Also, when you're with friends from your class, try to continue using Spanish as your main way of communication. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have known more about the different websites for flying around Europe for very cheap. Skyscanner.com eDreams.com ryanair.com |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
