Unforgettable Past Review
By alexandra.capecci (Shippensburg University) - abroad from 01/04/2013 to 05/25/2013 with
CEA: Madrid, Spain
That there are so many ways at viewing the world, I really became sympathetic to other cultures views. Best decision I ever made to study abroad.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The onsite staff was amazing. Helpful, fun, and always available. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Location was great, right in the center of the city and near all of the shops and night life. |
| * Food: |
Two words: Jamon bocadillo. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Lived among Spaniards and got to interact with them constantly. Really grew to appreciate Madrid. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Had to go to the hospital once. My landlord took me to the hospital made sure I was taken care of. CEA covered the fee and made sure I was alright. |
| * Safety: |
Always felt safe in Madrid. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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? | close to 300 - 500 dollars for weekend travel |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't need to try everything right away, and book flights early they tend to be cheaper. |
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 |
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| 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? | high school level |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Go to inter-cambios and practice with other students studying or living there. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | To always upload photos in case you break your camera! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
