My Heart Belongs to Madrid Past Review
By A student (International and Intercultural Communication., Fordham University) - abroad from 01/13/2013 to 05/15/2013 with
Syracuse University: Madrid - Syracuse University in Madrid
It opened my mind up to new experiences and taught me that it is never too late to learn another language.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Some families were great. My experience wasn't the best because our host mom was doing it more so for the money. |
| * Food: |
We just weren't given a lot of food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I would go to intercambios in the city--makes a difference when you go to an american university abroad (like the SU madrid program) |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | more or less 70-100 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | buy stuff to make lunches from the grocery store! |
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 |
Majority of classes in english. Option to take courses in spanish from a limited selection. |
| 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? | Exit Level at Fordham |
| 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? | INTERCAMBIOS. they are a MUST when in another country, look for them! It's also a great way to meet people. |
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? |
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 had asked around for recommendations for a host family while abroad. Some kids from SU knew which host mom to ask for, leaving the kids out of the loop with the leftovers. |
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.' |
