A semester of fun, growth, and adventure Past Review
By Elizabeth Kelly (Syracuse University) - abroad from 08/18/2019 to 12/04/2019 with
Syracuse University: Madrid - Syracuse University in Madrid
I learned that taking risks, no matter how small, can really help you grow tremendously. I gained more self confidence, an increased love for people and culture, and newfound gratitude for life.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
It's always important to be alert and aware whenever you are in a new place. Try to become familiar with streets, people, and landmarks. In Madrid specifically, I felt quite safe but also wary of pickpockets. They are very prevalent especially in crowded areas. Always be vigilant, but don't be ignorant or disrespectful either. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
My time abroad was incredible because I made it my own. I actively sought out new activites, foods, travel opportunities, and friends. I would choose to study in Spain again because I loved improving my language skills. It is a very scenic country, the lifestyle is more relaxed, and the food is wonderful and often cheap. The people are great too. |
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) |
Spain is a great place to study abroad I think for your budget. Necessities are quite cheap, especially if you are trying to stay on a budget. You can choose to live lavish and eat out every night, but you can also find cheap spots and tickets if you do a little research. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do your research on places before you decide you want to go to an event, or out to eat. Think about all the expenses you will have and then determine if that activity is still within your budget. |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Make new friends who speak the native language and who are not American. Also, go to local spots and towns where the language is spoken! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | That during the Signature Seminar you will be very busy and tired, but also having the best time. |
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.' |
