Alcala de Henares where I became Me Past Review
By Michelle S (International Relations/Spanish, College of Notre Dame of Maryland) for
Instituto Franklin-UAH: Alcalá de Henares - Study Abroad in Spain
YES! I am so much more open minded, I have an appreciation for the Spanish language and culture that I did not have before, and I fell in love with it!! I eventually would love to return to visit my 'family' there and my friends. Hopefully if lucky even work for sometime.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The time I spent with the CIEE program at Alcala de Henares was amazing. The workload was not excessive and they really helped with me becoming comfortable speaking the language and learning about the culture. The credit transfer was a very smooth process. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Cristina was always there for us and even provided tutoring at no extra cost, we just had to sign up for a slot. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better program. They even took us on amazing field trips with tours :D |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The family was great and I adored staying with them. They provided not only a room of my own but also all my meals and did my laundry. My host brother took me to a Champions League game and out to coffee. I adored my family and still am in contact with them on a weekly basis! |
| * Food: |
Delicious!! I recommend a host famiy, the home cooked meals (traditional and not) were so good. Because I was in Madrid the tapas were amazing and everyone should take advantage of that opportunity! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone who participated in my program became rather close, our last dinner together was quite the tear jerker, we just became close because we traveled and took classes together. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The healthcare was provided by a company that we applied for through the program. I never had any problems in the health department so I cannot speak too much on that. I always felt safe though! |
| 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 an AMAZING host family with whom I spoke Spanish with everyday. All the classes were done so in Spanish and we signed a contract that stated that while in school and school activities (field trips...) we would only speak Spanish. I met some great friends there also with whom I traveled/ hung out with and practiced my Spanish with constantly. |
| 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? | Do it!! You will not only become proficient in the language but you will have an experience of a lifetime. I am sure you will be as lucky as I and meet people who will be your friends for life! You have to be up for adventure and open minded... |
