Madrid made me learn a second language. Past Review
By John C (Psychology, Clark University) for
Tandem Madrid: Madrid - University Spanish Program
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Less rigid, less obvious what was going to affect your grade and how. Although I learned a lot, I didn't like how it wasn't just pass/fail, it was stressful to worry about how little control you had over your grade. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Not useful, not well-organized. The faculty was great but the people in charge were sloppy and seemed to be making things up as they went. Was not impressed. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment was well-located and had everything I needed. Everything was provided and I was treated well. |
| * Food: |
When my senora was on top of her game, the food was great but she was sometimes not around or late which made things difficult. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice with my señora or anyone else I happened to meet; I needed to use Spanish every day; some people spoke some English but Spanish was very important. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | An open-minded student that is willing to suffer to improve their Spanish would do well from this program. Fun, beautiful city...would strongly recommend. |
