¡Hasta pronto, Madrid! Past Review
By Salvatore Reginaldo (Clark High School) - abroad from 07/02/2018 to 09/28/2018 with
Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs
My month in Spain has been one of the greatest experiences in my life, to say the least. I have many fond memories of the four weeks I spent studying at the Complutense; my time in Madrid, Pamplona, Granada, and Asturias was entirely unforgettable. However, I travel back to San Antonio with more than pictures, souvenirs, and memories; my experiences abroad gave me the opportunity to experience a culture much different than my own. As a whole, studying abroad was an invaluable and life-changing experience that enhanced my professional goals. I developed an even more appreciation for differences in the Spanish culture. I consider myself lucky to have been given the opportunity by the National Spanish Exam “NSE” to live and learn in such a wonderful part of the world. My experience in Madrid exceeded all expectations. My advice to anyone considering living, working, or studying abroad would be to simply do it. It’s too easy and convenient to make excuses for not doing it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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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
My month in Spain has been one of the greatest experiences in my life, to say the least. I have many fond memories of the four weeks I spent studying at the Complutense; my time in Madrid, Pamplona, Granada, and Asturias was entirely unforgettable. However, I travel back to San Antonio with more than pictures, souvenirs, and memories; my experiences abroad gave me the opportunity to experience a culture much different than my own. As a whole, studying abroad was an invaluable and life-changing experience that enhanced my professional goals. I developed an even more appreciation for differences in the Spanish culture. I consider myself lucky to have been given the opportunity by the National Spanish Exam “NSE” to live and learn in such a wonderful part of the world. My experience in Madrid exceeded all expectations. My advice to anyone considering living, working, or studying abroad would be to simply do it. It’s too easy and convenient to make excuses for not doing it. |
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 |
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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? | Fluent |
| 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? | MA |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | Was happy with the entire experience. |
