Productive summer in Madrid Past Review

By (Psychology, University College London / UCL) - abroad from 07/27/2015 to 08/22/2015 with

Adelante: Madrid - Intern In Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learnt a lot from my placement, such an amazing experience. Exactly what I wanted and what I expected: to be exposed to a private clinical setting, covering a range of problems starting from family crises finishing with schizophrenia. The doctor himself and his crew were very supportive and friendly, which I think is quite important especially for a new person which doesn’t really know Spanish. During the month, my comprehension skills rocketed up as well as reading ones, doctor would ask you to read A LOT ( a piece of advice for someone doing the same placement is to read beforehand his books, it will greatly assist during your internship and in general in your future career).

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was highly impressed by the level of exposure I have got from my clinical experience in Psychiatry. I have read a mountain during Adelante Program (the psychiatrist who I shadowed, always recommended new literature with regard to specific clinical case). In addition, sometimes he would give me brief talks on various psychological conditions with regard to different patients we have seen during the day. I wasn't impressed by the intensity of Spanish Course offered by Eureka, I think it is aimed for a long-term learners.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Being honest, I have seen my Program Director only once, before my first day in clinic, where he gave me detailed survival list. I am quite independent when it comes to this sort of things but someone who needs guidance during their first internship/living abroad for the first time might want and need more guidance.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was in the center, hand away from Sol. I lived with Eureka and Adelante students which worked for me very well, sometimes we spoke Spanish in the house, sometimes English depending on the conversation. The only massive downside was air conditioner. It was soooo hot during summer, almost +43 for almost entire July. Despite having AC units, they did not work.

* Food:

Spanish cuisine is my new favourite ^-^

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with Adelante students helped me to feel more brave when it came to the exploration of the city because we did it together. However bare in mind that if you are not a very outgoing person you might find it difficult to socialize because majority of people who I have met during program were very independent.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Can't properly comment on it because I did not have any health problems.

* Safety:

You will be safe as long you are sensible. I think the same philosophy applies to all big cities: don't walk along in the dark, don't talk to shady strangers and of course always keep an eye on your bag.

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)

Comparing to most cities in Europe, Madrid is reasonably cheap. I and my friend managed to get a decent lunch for about 30 euros from both of us.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat in the touristic places in the center, try to wonder on the side street and you will find almost same restaurant/cafe but twice cheaper.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Evening language classes with university
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? Watch English movies with Spanish subtitles, write down phrases and then rehearse them. Seriously helps!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Good placement
  • Good housing location
* What could be improved?
  • intensity of language courses
  • air conditioners! during summer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it is that hot in Madrid during summer...

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.