Officially addicted to España! Past Review

By Liana R (Psychology , Loyola University Chicago) for

USAC Spain: Madrid - Spanish Language, Art, and Spanish & European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I loved my study abroad experience so much that I actually returned a year later for another semester with USAC. I then returned home to the US, but still had that longing that so many of us feel for Spain after spending time here. So I returned once again to teach English at an elementary school and am now going on my second year. As I sit here typing this from my apartment in Madrid, I cannot explain how grateful I am that I chose to study abroad and listened to my instincts which told me to be flexible with my life plans and spend more time here. My eagerness to learn about other cultures, proficiency in the Spanish language, and absolute adoration of Madrid are all due to my experience with USAC. My bilingualism and global experience have already opened up so many doors to remarkable opportunities and I know that they will continue to do so because of the person I have become through my time studying and living abroad.

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?	0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The classes were great. By not speaking any English at all during class we were forced to learn to express ourselves with our given level of Spanish (no matter how limited), which proved to be an important skill for daily life. The grading system was challenging at times because standards in Spain are different. Whereas a 4.0 is desired and attainable in the US, an A in a class is quite unusual in Spain. If your grades transfer back to your home university (as opposed to pass/fail), you really have to be diligent and make sure you are doing exceptional work throughout the course. A lot of Spanish teachers were understanding, but a few insisted on grading us by Spanish standards.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The USAC staff is very friendly, supportive, and accommodating. Whether you need someone to go with you and translate at a doctors appointment, or a recommendation for a great restaurant, they are always there to guide you through your time abroad!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My host family was EXCEPTIONAL! They included me in their family life from day 1 and were so patient in repeating, explaining, and teaching me about the language and culture of Spain. The family was comprised of a mom, dad, 13 year old daughter, and 25 year old son. After spending 3 months in their home, I completely felt like part of the family. In fact, I enjoyed my time with them so much that I went back to live with them again when I returned to Spain for a second semester of study abroad and again for a full year of work abroad!
* Food:	The family provided breakfast and dinner, then I ate lunch at the university or out with friends. It was great to know that I was getting nutritious, well rounded, typical meals without having to worry about making time for grocery shopping or cooking! I was also nice not to have food as a variable expense every month. I paid my rent and knew that I was mostly taken care of!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	We took a couple side trips to towns near Madrid. There was also a week long field study course which taught me a lot about Spanish culture and allowed me to visit another region of Spain on a much deeper level than simple tourism. By researching and doing class projects before the trip, we were well informed and able to make the most of our time in Galicia! Intercambios are also awesome! USAC pairs you will a Spanish student who can introduce you to their friends, show you cool places to go in Madrid, help you will your Spanish, and show you things about the culture you would just never learn in the classroom!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	USAC makes any health issues easy to manage by helping you make the appointment, providing a map of exactly where to go, and even going with you if necessary.
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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	I spoke Spanish all day at school (both in class and with the office staff), then with intercambios, spanish friends, and my host family off campus. By constantly surrounding myself with the native language, my Spanish improved far more than I ever expected it to!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	GO! I know you have loans, or classes you need to take, or a girlfriend/boyfriend you just can't imagine living without for a few months, but study abroad is an indescribably life-changing, character-building, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world and stay in a foreign land long enough to legitimately understand it and call it home.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Conversation
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	I know a lot of US universities don't give credit for Conversation classes, but take them anyway!!! Conversation is by far the class that taught me the most useful words and phrases. I also really gained confidence in my speaking abilities by taking this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: