Once In A Lifetime Experience! Past Review

By (Spanish and Iberian Studies, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija / Nebrija University) - abroad from 09/13/2018 to 12/21/2018 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Madrid, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The European culture is so important to experience, and it's humbling to learn about other countries history, culture, geography, economy, etc. It is things like these that you cannot learn without going out and seeing it unfold in front of you.

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.

Nebrija isn't a strenuous school, but it is intense in the sense that I learned a lot during my time studying there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Madrid can be an expensive place if you eat out all the time, but it is not expensive compared to many other European cities

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to make your own food at home. That way, you have more money to spend when traveling over the weekends or on miscellaneous items.

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? Advanced
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? 300-level college courses
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? Try to practice spanish as often as you can; with baristas, waiters, taxi drivers, etc. The everyday conversation will help immensely with your confidence and fluidity.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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 school
  • The excursions
  • The cultural engagement activities
* What could be improved?
  • ability to receive mail
  • tips for budgeting
  • maybe being more detailed in the itinerary of the program?
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think it's always helpful to have a budget in mind before going somewhere. I wish I would've calculated an accurate goal for spending money per week, that way I can keep track of how much I have spent and how much I have left.

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!