Madrid has Millions of Things to do Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load was not too strenuous. The first couple weeks of classes were difficult though because the professors only speak to you in Spanish and you have to try and keep up. However, it helped a lot with Spanish language speaking and comprehension.

On-site administration of your program

The director and assistant directors of my program were great. They were extremely friendly and easy to talk to. they were helpful and willing for any problem that any of us came to them with.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I living in an apartment with a single woman of about 56 years old. <br /><br /> It took me a while to warm up to my host mother. It was difficult communication at first because she did not speak a word of English and my Spanish was limited but eventually things worked out I made an effort to really try and interact, help around the house and in the end we got a long great. Although I was not so much a fan of her food. I loved the woman I lived with, she made me feel comfortable which is extremely important when you are so far away from your home and comfort zone.

I did not always like my host mothers cooking and often I would just eat because i was hungry not because I particularly liked it. The style of cooking is very different in Spain than that of the United States. they cook with a lot of oil and often the food didn't sit well with my stomach.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The night life is great and there our millions of things to do, visit, see but as I mentioned before especially with the language barrier the people are not always so friendly.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

safety was never really an issue I by myself so when I went out at night I would have to get myself home and never felt threatened or anything.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

my language skills definitely improved a lot, my written and grammar got a lot better, I can understand almost everything even in a regular Spanish spoken conversation, movie...my speaking also improved a lot but is still not perfected. The only way to improve is by interacting with as many Spanish speakers as possible. If you have an opportunity to do an internship I would recommend that, if so0mebody asks you to teach them English also helps, and of course conversing with your host family.

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• Hostel

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• Americans