It was the time of my life. Past Review
By Gabriel R (Spanish Language, Literature, University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 07/01/2015 to 07/30/2015 with
USAC Spain: Madrid - Spanish Language, Art, and Spanish & European Studies
I gained a lot of experience with the Spanish language as well as connections that I will keep for life.
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. |
I took an advanced poetry class while I was there, but I know that people who took the elementary Spanish level courses also did at times have a lot of homework. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The on-site staff in Madrid was amazing. They were also always willing to help with any questions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I decided to stay in an apartment, and I feel as if USAC did a good job finding a modern place to live. The only downside about traveling in the summer is that there in no AC. |
| * Food: |
I wasn't a big fan of Spanish food, but I did like, I loved. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
After being in Madrid for a few days, you will begin to become accustomed to the way of live and the people there are also very friendly. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Thankfully I had no health issues, but USAC and the medical insurance they provide did a good job for the students who did hurt themselves. |
| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $3000 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Start saving as early as possible |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | No |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Listen to Spanish music. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Madrid was going to be extra hot in July. |
