An amazing trip I want to make again! Past Review

By (Orientation & Mobility, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 07/13/0014 to 08/12/2014 with

Estudio Sampere: Madrid - Language School in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of the language and feel a lot more confident, and the cultural experience was irreplaceable

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the courses that were offered. One was much more challenging than I hap previously thought, but not at all an unreasonable amount and I learned more than I have in any other class. I loved it!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host mom! she was understanding of my difficult transition to a new country and was so sweet.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100 but I also included souvenirs, without those it would have been less
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend a lot on souvenirs on the first week.

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 232
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? Just talk with friends and professors outside of class

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
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?
  • host mom
  • trips
  • school
* What could be improved?
  • less museums
  • more time to explore the cities
  • less homework
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I wouldn't need to pack as much

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 Adventurer
The 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.