I loved my Madrid study abroad host family Past Review
By Krizia M (Child Development and Community Health, Tufts University) for
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Madrid
Yes, it opened my eyes to see different cultures and their lifestyles and how that has shaped their way of thinking. The world is full of so much diversity and it is a beautiful thing to experience how other people live in the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned an average amount at the university classes because they repeated information a lot. Professors cancelled many classes and improvised class so much that it was a bit confusing and frustrating. The program class on the other hand was excellent. I learned a lot about Spanish Art History. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were so understanding and helpful with anything and everything we needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a mother, dad, brother, another host student from China, sister, grandmother and puppy. I lived in a house near my host moms sister's house. Safe neighborhood and nice cosy homes. <br /><br /> I loved the family. They were so welcoming and understanding. |
| * Food: |
I loved the food my host mom mad but not so much the food at the restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was so great. Loved the coordinators, the other students and the faculty. Loved all the trips and activities planned. Wish we had more time and more trips to like Granada. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
They were there whenever we needed them and they really cared for us. |
| 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? | 77-100 euros...11 euros a day was not always enough for a while meal and drink. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Please bring as much cash ahead of time to avoid bank charges and do not bring too much change back home because it will not be accepted at the bank for exchange. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I learned a lot of new words but did not practice all the time. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Try everything you can abroad that is culturally related. |
