Madrid is Amazing! Past Review

By (Neurobiology, Harvard University) for

Boston University: Madrid - Internship Program, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was absolutely worthwhile! It confirmed my desire to become a pediatrician.

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.

There was very little discussion in my courses; they were almost completely lecture format.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

One weakness was that because of the five-hour workdays for internships plus the class in the evenings, we did not have much free time on weekdays to sightsee. Strengths included the group trips and practicing Spanish.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was treated as a family member.

* Food:

Everything is cooked with oil! But everything is delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Prado! And we went on group trips to Sevilla, Segovia, and Toledo.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Men are very bold, so girls should be prepared to be approached and told how beautiful they are (especially blondes). But they all seemed harmless. Watch out for pickpockets everywhere!

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)

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? Buy souvenirs early, so you're not scrambling to get something for your family on the last day!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 90dq
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I needed the host country language every day, to speak at my internship and with my host family.

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

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Organize groups to travel around Spain. Take the Cercanias train to as many places as possible, it's only a few Euro and you can see El Escorial, Avila, Aranjuez, etc. Buy the audioguides because you will be reimbursed by BU.