My semester in Spain was the best a few months of my life Past Review

By (Anthropology, Spanish, SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY Albany: Madrid - Study Abroad at the International Institute, Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My semester in Spain was the best a few months of my life. It was emotionally difficult at times, but everything was completely worth it. I gained so much in just a short time. Not only do I know more Spanish, but I feel like I am so much more independent.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned so much during my semester in Spain. The only thing I would change is to stay longer!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There is always someone available in the office. They also provide phone numbers for emergencies. I liked knowing that help was always available if I needed it (I didn't).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a family in an apartment in Madrid. Two of their sons still lived at home and their grandson would visit often. There was always something going on. I loved my living arrangement. <br /><br /> My family helped me so much, I think my semester would have suffered had I not lived with them.

* Food:

My host mom made a huge delicious lunch every single day. The food was different, but not in a bad way.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved being able to travel. I was gone almost every single weekend. The only problem is that I didn't spend enough time in madird!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Madrid was so safe. Obviously, I needed to be careful, but rarely did I ever feel uncomfortable. I felt safe enough to ride the metro alone at night. There are always people out, so I never needed to really worry.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? During the week I always ate at home to save money, because that food was already paid for. On the weekend, I would spent $100-$300 for trips. That is including food, lodging, transportation and museums. It really depended on where I went during a specific week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I lived too far away from the school to walk every single day. I purchases an abono or metro pass each month for 46 euros. It is less if you are under 21.

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I spoke too much English outside of the classroom, but I also did improve. I know that if I spent more time in Spain, my Spanish would only get better.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Definitely apply. This program is small, so you get the individual attention an exchange needs. You aren't spoon-fed, but the teachers help you as much as they can.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Spanish Cinema

Course Department:
Instructor: Carlos Vela
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I liked this class overall. I really think it helped me improve my Spanish, but some of the content was boring. I like watching movies and it is a great way to learn a foreign language.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Grammar and Composition

Course Department:
Instructor: Rosana Acquaroni
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I think I learned the most in this class. The teacher was fantastic and really pushed all the students. We also had an amazing class dynamic. The amount of fun and work was balanced. We were graded harshly, but that only made me work harder.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Colloquial Spanish

Course Department:
Instructor: Juan Comacho
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The subject is incredibly interesting. It helped me understand what people were saying. This was the class to bring all of your questions about confusing phrases or bizarre things you wanted to say.
Credit Transfer Issues: