Espana: A Life Expereince I'll Never Forget Past Review
By Sandra D (Computer Programming, University of Southern Mississippi) for
Enforex: Madrid - Language School in Madrid
It was very worthwhile. It made me a stronger person and it showed me that I could do something that I never thought I would ever do. It proved to me that dreams do come true. It made me aware of other places like Toledo. It's amazing what's out there. There is a whole world out there. And I want to see it all!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The education over-broad was amazing. I have taken some Spanish classes at USM and they don't even come close to comparing to the teachers in Spain. I guess the main reason it is so different & it is such a challenge over broad is because they force you to use your Spanish. And the teachers speak in Spanish in the Spanish classes where in the United States I have had many teachers who will speak some in Spanish & the rest in English. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The computer lab wasn't that great. So, it was extremely hard to do research & to get some of the homework done if you didn't go to a locotorio, which is a store that you pay to use their computers. Additionally, they weren't that organized in the beginning. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing. When I first got there, it was a lot to take in. Because, the daughter of the lady I was staying with --- just spoke spanish so quickly. I had to use the metro to get to my school. As of nightlife, it was AMAZING in Spain. Everything in Spain is mostly nightlife. I didn't have to take sheets or anything like that. Those things were provided for me. I just brought my own personal things like: toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, etc. They would wash our clothes only once a week, which isn't really enough times. But, you can make it work. So, best advice is to at least bring 8 - 9 pairs of clothing w/ you. I stayed there for 5 weeks. In my program, they provided breakfast & dinner. But, always bring extra cash, because there will be somedays where you won't like the food and you'll want to go to the store & pick something up. |
| * Food: |
The food was okay. I liked the Chinese food restaurant. But, other than that, a lot of their food was extremely expensive and if you didn't know what you were buying & if you weren't sure you would absolutely love it, you would end up wasting a lot of money. And then, still be hungry. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I absolutely loved Toledo. It is so beautiful!!! If you go to Spain, you must go there. Barcelona was okay but Toledo is unique. It is something you would never see in the United States. I guess that is one of the reasons I fell in love with the place. If your wanting to go shopping, go to Sol. You can find it on the Metro. Additionally, in Spain, they hold a Huge Flea Market on Sunday Mornings. It is awesome. You must go there! There is also a place called Fauna. It is like a zoo. But, it is the BEST zoo I have ever found in my life. It is way different than the United States. You will not find anything like it anywhere else. You actually get to walk around w/ the animals. For example, in the monkey cage. You go inside & the monkeys are just hanging around. I had a monkey that was like 1 foot from me. It was Amazing! Al kapital is the best dance club to go to in Spain. It's got like 6 different floors of different types of music. The roof is also open. It's really really cool & so much FUN!! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
At night time, it was some-times scary walking alone. I know some of the people on my trip got pick pocketed a lot. That alone is something you should have extreme caution about. Don't leave your things laying around & always carry your purse in front of you including your backpack. |
| 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
| 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? | I believe any student could benefit from this program. However, you need to have some kind of knowledge about Spanish. Because it is extremely tough if you can't speak any Spanish. My other advice is to go with someone you know. I think that was the hardest part for me is I didn't know anyone. I didn't even know the teachers on the trip. It's best to go with a friend. That way, when you get homesick, your not alone & you always have someone to go places at night. So, you feel safer. |
