Study Abroad in Spain - The best time of my life Past Review

By (Global Studies, Providence College) - abroad from 01/09/2013 to 05/10/2013 with

Boston University: Madrid - Madrid Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be independent and to go with the flow. It was definitely worthwhile.

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?

I stayed with Luisa Garcia, who goes by Casi. She was one of the greatest people I have ever met and really recommend her to anyone with a good heart.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had the flu the second to last week of my trip. My homestay mother took care of me and also took me to her doctor, who was apart of the universal health care service. It was definitely not service like in the states but was satisfactory.

* Safety:

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? I probably spent around 100 - 150 euros a week to go out. Food was supplied for exceptf or dinner on the weekends.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish composition
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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 did you like most about the program?
  • My house mother
  • My internship
  • My institute, itself.
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with PC
  • More trips through BU
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Life is what you make it.