Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Syracuse Madrid Summer Session Past Review

By (Syracuse University) - abroad from 05/15/2015 to 07/03/2020 with

Syracuse University: Madrid - Syracuse University Center in Madrid, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish language ability and learned a lot about Spanish culture. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The Syracuse Abroad Madrid Summer Session was an amazing experience where I was able to feel immersed in a new culture while supported by the most friendly and caring support staff.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

So great! The Syracuse Madrid staff are the most supportive, friendly people you will ever meet.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a host family. My host mom and I got along so well; I still keep in touch with her to this day.

* Food:

Spanish food is amazing! I loooved seafood paella the most.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Spanish people are incredibly friendly and outgoing. It was very easy to get to know locals. Things did seem a lot slower paced and relaxed then here in the USA.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a

* Safety:

Syracuse Madrid was always there to help make sure we were safe and taken care of at every turn.

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

I can't see myself having the amazing experience I did without Syracuse Madrid.

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? <$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There are a lot of cheap good food places in Madrid - you just have to look around.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • Staff
  • Host Family
  • Professors
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
  • n/a
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you can stay in Schengen Area for 90 days without a visa.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Hemingway in Spain
Course Department: ENG
Instructor:
Instruction Language: 6 weeks
Comments: Amazing course! Very engaging professor and incredibly culturally relevant.
Credit Transfer Issues: