Tufts in Alcala: The Best of Spain Past Review
By Laura M (Community Health, Spanish, Tufts University) for
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Madrid
Studying abroad gave me the tools I needed to become a confident, independent, and culturally-sensitive traveler, which has served me very well in the years since. It challenged me to adapt to a new education system and to step outside of my comfort zone in terms of classes, extracurricular activities, and relationships with students and professors.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload overall was definitely less than at my university in the States, but it was absolutely necessary to study and memorize the material in order to do well on exams. As there are few or no assignments during the semester, studying and keeping up with readings are entirely self-motivated. Many Spanish students will not even attend class since all the readings are included in the syllabus, and professors tend not to be very concerned about attendance, but class time is crucial for students not accustomed to the system. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Program administration was superb. The staff was extremely knowledgeable, engaged with students, accessible and accommodating, and invested in making the experience as beneficial as possible to students. I was extremely impressed with everyone who worked for the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The program matched each student with a host family. Mine was close to the center of the city, within walking distance of class and activities. The program does a great job of matching and preparing both the family and student, and is very open to switching placements if they do not work out. |
| * Food: |
My host mom's cooking was fantastic. There are many "menu del dia" options at local restaurants, where you get a 3-course meal for a set price. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program arranged several great excursions to areas surrounding Madrid, and gave us lists of suggested events/attractions each week. We were required to attend several events each month (chosen from the list), which was a great way to gain exposure to the cultural richness Spain has to offer. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had no health or safety issues whatsoever. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I lived with a host family and all my classes were in Spanish, with Spanish students. The degree of immersion was excellent. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Alcala is a small, historic city outside of Madrid, so students should be aware that they will not be right in the thick of cosmopolitan Madrid. It is a fantastic program for those looking for an authentic Spanish lifestyle and cultural experience. |
