A semester that changed my perspective on cultural involvement and language. Past Review

By A student (Global Studies and Spanish, Providence College) - abroad from 01/18/2013 to 06/01/2013 with

CIEE: Madrid - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I can't even begin to explain all that I have learned in the past 6 months. My language skills, professional trajectory and personal goals have changed dramatically through exposure to a new culture, constant participation in a different language, and an introduction to a business setting that I have never experienced before! It was beyond worthwile and I would definitely reccomend it!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	This program was academically challenging while still leaving time to have fun and explore the wonderful city of Madrid. I spent more time studying than my friends in other programs, but I also learned more about the culture, language and my professional goals than I ever imagined I could in just a semester.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	WONDERFUL! Most staff members were wonderful, helpful, accomodating and there to assist me whenever I needed something.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Really wonderful family, great fit.
* Food:	I would have liked more fresh vegis.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Madrid is a city, so any student studying there should be aware of their surroundings and act as he or she would in any large city. That being said, I never felt unsafe in Madrid and the police vigalance made sure that crime rates stayed low.
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?	$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Take advantage of your home stay meals! You can save hundreds eating the food prepared at home.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
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?	Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Hispanic Civilizations History Course
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?	PRACTICE! try to speak with your friends and classmates and most of all the people you live with!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* 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?	living in such an exciting and culturally rich city the host family experience the excursions
* What could be improved?	the mail service the location of the university the advising hours
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I had known how far the campus was from my housing because I spent over 4 hours commuting some days between my internship and my university

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Internship
Course Department:	CIEE Course
Instructor:	Francisco Frisuelos
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	This course was challenging but offered an incredible experience to participate in my dream career while in Spain. I learned alot about time management, the working world, professional behavior and conducted a research project that pertained to my individual interests and the internship criteria. Overall, I thought the course was stupendous, but should have been worth more credits considering the time commitment and work involved.
Credit Transfer Issues: