Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely Life Changing Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Tufts University) - abroad from 01/13/2012 to 05/31/2012 with

Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Abroad was absolutely amazing. It was definitely worthwhile! I saw the world from another culture's eyes, I saw another way to live my life, and those two things changed me in great ways!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved my classes, I loved that getting a tutor was super easy, all of my books were at the program center so I didn't have to buy anything... Everything was just very accessible. However, if you're looking for a program that doesn't have much of the 'study' in study abroad, then this program is not for you. Though the educational experience is not as intense as Tufts in the US, you will work, you will study, and you will be pushed academically.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved the program staff, they were really great, but there were some issues they could have handled better and things that should have been better organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my neighborhood, my family, my house... I had an amazing experience in my location.

* Food:

Personally, I loved Spanish food, but I knew many people in the program who struggled due to food issues. Vegetarians, be warned: Spain is all about the meat! Also, if food is a big thing for you, make sure you stress it in your housing application.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program has a million resources to integrate people into Spanish society. If people in my program didn't integrate it was entirely on them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got seriously sick, and my host mom and program directors practically begged me to go to the doctor. I went to one that was literally five minutes away from my house, had no problems with the insurance my program gave me, saw a really nice doctor, got an xray of my sinuses, and was told I just had a cold and given a couple of medicines to make the cold more bearable--all in a day. I had a better experience getting health care in Spain than I generally do when I'm at school going to Tufts Health Services or my doctor back home. It was great!

* Safety:

I walked home from clubs at 3-6AM alone and I never had a problem. Madrid is SO SAFE other than pick-pockets.

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)

In comparison to other programs, Tufts includes almost everything you need in their price. The only thing that gets expensive is the individual traveling!

* 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? Definitely depends. Between 20-60 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan your trips way in advance.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

They really wanted us to speak in Spanish, but in all honesty, it's up to the individual person to truly get into it and speak Spanish. If you want an experience where you really immerse and speak a ton of Spanish, do Tufts in Alcala--it's so much easier to speak and learn in a smaller environment. Madrid can be super overwhelming which often forces students to run to their security-blanket program friends.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 35
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? DON'T GIVE UP. Speak Spanish as much as you can and if you notice your program friends aren't making an effort, then make Spanish friends and talk to them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • The city
  • The Spanish people I met
  • How much it changed me, for the better
* What could be improved?
  • The trips could be better organized
  • Arturo should never be allowed to leave, ever.
  • Our sessions with the psychologist were not that great. And a lot of friends told me that when they met with her one-on-one she wasn't very helpful either.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A ton of Spanish history and culture. I wish I would have known more before leaving so I could truly appreciate all of it!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.