ISA Madrid Past Review
By Keenan H (Biology, General., Carleton College) for
ISA Study Abroad in Madrid, Spain
Amazing to see a different world
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Lots of class time that was well spent learning how to use the language correctly. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The class schedule was difficult to grasp at first, along with a few other systematic changes. Overall though the staff was amazing and helpful. The excursions were a great change of pace on the weekends as well and it didn't hurt to have guides who knew what they were doing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our host mom was the best. She took pride in cooking for us and we enjoyed her company so much! |
| * Food: |
Host families are great |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Excursions to Granada, Salamanca, other cities were great. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Madrid is fine. Lots of pick pockets but safe otherwise. |
| 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? | e50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Water cost money in restaurants over there. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 204, or Spanish IV |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Speaking in Madrid was the best way to improve. The overall immersion was important as well. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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