Learned to speak Spanish in 6 months faster than in 12 years of classes prior Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The six months I spent in Alcalá de Henares were among the most formative of my college education. After learning Spanish for years in American public education systems, where I could learn to read and write but not to speak with confidence, staying with a host family unable to speak English transformed my Spanish. It also transformed my mentality from one reluctant to grasp the importance of language to one where I currently learn new languages each time I move to a new country. Almost ten years later, I am fluent in 2 additional languages I could not speak before I arrived to Spain.

On-site administration of your program

The CIEE program administration was excellent. I never had any concerns or problems academically or during my time there on any trips or group activities. Everything was arranged very competently and professionally while we were afforded significant independence.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host parents could not speak any English and spoke with a very strong accent. What started off seeming impossible became an important test, and I have rarely struggled to understand other Spanish speakers ever since. They were extremely generous, kind and I even visited them again several years afterwards.

I ate most meals with my host family, which were excellent home cooked Spanish meals. I remember my meals when we traveled on our excursions or met for dinner as a group somewhere were always very good.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I left Spain feeling my better friends were not from Spain. This could partly be due to the fact I was not in any classes with Spanish students, as a more advanced level of Spanish was required to take actual courses with the university. However, the program did offer opportunities for "intercambio" and one of the Spaniards I met there is still a friend to this day. It was largely up to the individual student to take initiative to meet Spaniards and it seemed usually those staying in the dorms met more.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had any issues with healthcare in Spain. I got very ill once while on a personal weekend trip with a friend, but CIEE staff was very understanding and helped make sure I got the care I needed upon my return. I did not have to pay for the care as the Spanish healthcare system did not require payment for my treatment.

I never felt in danger while staying in Alcalá de Henares, even though I walked home on some late nights alone through quiet parts of the city. If I were female I would have been more cautious, but as a male I never encountered any hostile people.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was a long time ago and I honestly don't remember. I saved money working while I was studying in Colorado to afford the costs of the semester besides the cost of tuition.

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

I had all my classes in Spanish and my host family only spoke Spanish at home. This allowed me to improve dramatically. It was not easy and I was not always happy in the first months, but in the long run it paid off and today I am completely fluent.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students

• Staying with a host family
• Excursions with the exchange program to Asturias
• Courses were all taught in Spanish

• Opportunities to meet Spaniards

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer