Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Me Enamore Para Siempre Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/11/2017 to 05/11/2017 with

API (Academic Programs International): Madrid - Suffolk University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really enjoyed learning the language from speaking with local students and others who live in Spain. My comprehension of Spanish definitely improved. I also was able to adopt a more laid back and outdoorsy lifestyle that I do not find myself experiencing in America. I made Spanish friends and a friend from Germany while abroad who I hope to see again some time. I realized my love for traveling and exploring and wish to return to continue. I definitely improved my sense of direction and ability to navigate in foreign places independently.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did not particularly enjoy the university I attended in Madrid. It was too small for my liking and the course work was inconsistent. I also feel that to some extent coursework prevented me from traveling or experiencing all my host country had to offer.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

not enough options to retain a semi-kosher lifestyle while abroad (too much meat of pig such as ham and pork)

* 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 application process for API before I even left was frustrating and stressful. I also did not care for my university

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? unsure. depended where I was and what I did. maybe 75-200?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? use travel websites and other websites with reviews to find an affordable but positive experience for food, tourism, and travel. Definitely do extensive research and try not to make uninformed decisions. Be aware of hidden travel fees or other taxes and fees that may be applied on things you wouldn't expect

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • excursions
  • meeting other Americans
  • accommodation of activities to fit schedules
* What could be improved?
  • add more cultural activities like the movies, cooking classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how small and not diverse my university would be

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.