UC Madrid was the best summer of my life! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., University of California - Riverside) for

University of California EAP (UCEAP): Madrid - Language & Culture, UC Center Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a new language and was thoroughly immersed in a new culture.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers were really approachable and friendly. Classes just felt like a discussion in which we happened to be learning a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was very approachable and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was delicious. However, my host mother was not understanding of me being vegetarian and constantly pestered me about eating meat and how she couldn't cook very many things because I was vegetarian.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We attended a bull fight, film screening, tapas making demo.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It was relatively safe as people were always out and about in the city. However, men tended to harass women a little with catcalling.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 150 euros per week for food and personal expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up as much money as you can. You will be extremely upset when you run out of money in a foreign country and have to miss out on things.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the teachers
  • only four days of school per week
  • cultural events
* What could be improved?
  • more information prior to departure
  • host mother that would be more understanding of my dietary restrictions