One of the best experiences I have ever had. Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 07/10/2016 to 08/09/2016 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Spanish Language and Culture in Madrid, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Spanish skills have increased, I learned a lot about the Spanish culture, and I feel more confident about traveling alone now.

Review Photos

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Madrid - Spanish Language and History Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Madrid - Spanish Language and History Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Madrid - Spanish Language and History Photo Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Madrid - Spanish Language and History Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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

Madrid is a fun city, filled with rich culture and history. I loved my fellow classmates and I got to practice Spanish everyday.

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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat and drink at restaurants that are away from the tourist areas. You can get tap water for free at restaurants but you have to specifically request it.

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? 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? Spanish 335 and 303.
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? Talk Spanish with your fellow students outside of the classroom.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city life
  • My classmates
  • high quality wine for low prices
* What could be improved?
  • A location for students to live near each other.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Where the best bars were.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.