Spanish Language and Culture May 11, 2022
By Emma P (International Relations, Syracuse University) - abroad from 09/15/2021 to 12/03/2021 with
Syracuse University: Madrid - Syracuse University in Madrid
I advanced my Spanish skills, learned to live independently abroad, and took classes relevant to earning my degree.
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. |
The semester was shortened, however to compensate for this the professors gave us more assignments. We had less time to complete more work, while also trying to get the 'study abroad experience' |
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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? |
The dorm was full of International students from everywhere, and the staff was extremely kind and helpful |
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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: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Studying abroad in Spain allowed me to experience Spanish culture, while also advancing my Spanish skills. I also was able to meet and become friends with people from all over the world |
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) |
Food and other things are surprisingly cheap |
| 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? | Budget. Don't just spend freely without having an idea of how much you have saved for the rest of the semester |
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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SPA 400 |
| 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? | Listen to Spanish songs, radio, television shows, etc. It's the best way to hear the language spoken as it will be when you're there. I also practiced by translating random things before I left. Random signs, sentences, and other things while I was going about my day |
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? | Don't overpack! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
