Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye opening! Past Review

By (Accounting/CPA, Hartwick College) - abroad from 09/10/2014 to 12/11/2014 with

API (Academic Programs International): Madrid - Universidad Nebrija

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be open to new experiences. I also learned that knowing a second language or even just trying to speak another language is valuable skill. My time abroad was all worth it.

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

The program directors in Spain were very helpful and always available as resources.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mother was very concerned about my well being and communicated with me daily. She was a major reason why my language skills improved as much as they did!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My host mother was able to point me in the direction of a pharmacy when I did fall ill.

* Safety:

Being located in the city center of Madrid I was careful about being out alone at night but the program prepared me for the environment. The metro is the most unsafe place and they taught me the first day to watch my purse and backpack at all times!

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)

I spent money as I wanted on the trip because I wanted to travel outside our program trips. I chose to spend more money and I knew that going into the program.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$75

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

I mostly spoke Spanish with my directors in Spain because they knew I wanted to practice with them.

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? A2
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • the food
  • the international students
  • my new independence
* What could be improved?
  • the orientation
  • the group activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You cannot totally prepare yourself for this experience. That is OK!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!