The Best Time of My Life Past Review
By Kiana Claire Khoshnoud (Syracuse University) - abroad from 08/25/2019 to 12/04/2020 with
Syracuse University: Madrid - Syracuse University in Madrid
I learned how to integrate into a new culture and it was fascinating.
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 courses were engaging and intensive (but no homework intensive) |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mother was sweet, accommodating, and caring. |
| * Food: |
My host mom knew the things I couldn't eat and cooked in a way that was perfect for my diet. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very in touch with the culture. The university helped us integrated and for me falling into the culture was very easy and fun. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I went to the hospital once and the healthcare system was well. They had an employee that came with me to see the doctor and could help with anything I needed. |
| * Safety: |
Madrid is a safe city, I never had any instances that endangered my safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had the best time of my life. I still keep in contact with my professors and friends from Madrid. I wish everyday that I could go back. |
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? | I would say maximum $175 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say to not eat at restaurants frequently, there was so many small cafes and grocery stores that make fresh food and it is inexpensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | none |
| 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? | Duolingo and also trying to speak with natives before going on the abroad trip. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That it wasn't going to be as lonely as I thought it would be. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
