Stress, independence and growth Past Review
By Emma E (HSSP, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/15/2014 to 05/21/2014 with
Boston University: Madrid - Madrid Internship
I learned a lot about being independent and cultural differences. Managing my time was a growth. The experience was definitely worthwhile but very busy, stressful, and lonely.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very intense program, limited academic resources |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Loved my host family, but I already knew them! |
| * Food: |
No problems with food |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I integrated myself pretty well but had limited time to because of school and internship. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Very easy access and kind help! |
| * Safety: |
Very safe if you are responsible and smart. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30-50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep snacks in your room and bring them on day trips so you don't have to pay for food. Unless you are only visiting a place once, don't buy things the first time you see them. Wait and see if you still want it later. There will be lots of things you want to spend money on. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I spoke the language 100% of the time at school, work, and home. |
| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 106 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Live with a host family! Make Spanish friends |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That level three was at the university and 1 hour away from my house and internship. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
