Take me back to Madrid Past Review
By Ella C (Hotel Administration/Spanish for the Business Profession, University of Nevada – Las Vegas) for
USAC Spain: Madrid - Spanish Language, Art, and Spanish & European Studies
I fell in love with Spain, its culture, its people... I am trying to find my way back. It opens your eyes to a new lifestyle and you decide what to make of your experience..
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Rey Juan Carlos- Vicalvaro |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Studying abroad for a full year allowed me not only to fully immerse myself in the courses I was taking but also to absorb the culture and lifestyle which is something only experience can give you. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I loved being challenged to speak Spanish from day one. I never felt ashamed in the program office or in class. This helped me to quickly adapt and overcome any fear in speaking. The only way to learn is to push your comfort level and be okay with making errors. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My first semester I lived with American girls and I did not learn or spend time speaking Spanish. At the break I moved in with a Spanish woman and she took the time to speak with me and teach me. The difference was amazing. She also cooked authentic meals, taught us the local slang and welcomed us into her home/life. |
| * Food: |
I cooked my own meals but love the fresh markets and ingredients that Spain offers. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
HANG OUT WITH SPANIARDS!!!! Explore the country, the museums, the parks, the beachs... GO OUT! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Challenging yourself and applying yourself are completely left up to you. Applying your school exposure to your social life in Madrid was easy... intercambios allowed us to meet Spanish students and share culture and language. |
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? | GO! Madrid is an incredible experience and there is so much to do and learn. |
