Madrid: Best decision Past Review

By (Speech-Language Pathology, Stephen F. Austin State University) for

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture in Madrid, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was amazing I would do it all over again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think it was great just that for me since I knew Spanish I didn't learn much. But I did see the other students learn alot more.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I feel the education was very good for other students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

They made accommodations if you told them.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved all the field trips to other cities The only thing I didn't like was the art museum because I'm not very interested in it. The only one I liked was Reina Sofia.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't have any health concerns. Now safety the only problem I had was when you walked into a underground tunnel to walk to the park where a guy followed me and my roommate but it was easily resolved.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just seperate the money your going to use for souveneirs for you and others. Food you don't have to worry much about since you get fed by your host family.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None. Came in with AP credits.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I could practice with my host mom. Some people spoke English but not very well.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

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  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Americans