Spanish culture and traveling on a cushy language-intensive program Past Review
By Patricia M (International Relations & Psychology, Tufts University) - abroad from 01/13/2012 to 05/18/2012 with
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Madrid
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the differences in education in Spain and America. I also felt like I improved my Spanish a lot, and got the chance to participate in numerous valuable cultural experiences. Definitely worthwhile!
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Alcalá de Henares, Tufts University in Madrid |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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: |
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| 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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Only on travel, I spent about $25 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't spend money on much but traveling |
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? | Spanish 121 |
| 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? | Talk with other people ! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
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? | More outlets for athletics or integration with locals, how to facilitate on our own (it is nerve-wracking when you don't speak Spanish! It might have been helpful to make contact with groups before getting in Spain) |
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