Independent Past Review

By (California State University - Long Beach) - abroad from 06/03/2016 to 07/30/2016 with

Adelante: Madrid - Intern In Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From my internship I learned that I can adjust to an industry I did not know much about. I learned that going abroad is the best way to learn a new language and understanding different cultures. Being in Europe makes it easier to travel to different European countries and become more cultured about older history.

Personal Information

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

wifi did not work and we moved into a dirty apartment that we had to clean ourselves.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

the person I dealt with at adelante was lazy and unhelpful

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? email the program for days off and book your flights for different countries at least a month ahead of time.

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? 1st year in college
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? meet with Spanish speakers and just force yourself to speak spanish with them. They will correct you and help you.

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

  • 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?
  • eureka schol
* What could be improved?
  • adelante staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the staff would be so patronizing when I had a problem or that we would not be promised basic amenities that were included in the package like wifi. Also that we would be moving into a dirty apartment.