Living in Madrid is something that I will never forget. Past Review

By (Spanish, Le Moyne College) for

Syracuse University: Madrid - Syracuse University in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely yes. I gained a new perspective about myself and the world. I now value life so much more than before and am so grateful to have had this experience.

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.

The workload was not too bad except around midterms and finals. The professors were always willing to help but sometimes we did not receive prompt feedback on our work. The classes were engaging and extremely interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program is amazing-everyone is always available to help and they take extremely good care of all of us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was right outside of a metro stop and it was really easy to get to and from the school. Our host mother gave us a mini fridge and we could buy our own food to keep in it. Our host mother treated us as her own children.

* Food:

Our host mother was an amazing cook and made us what we liked while also encouraging us to try new things.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We traveled all around the country of Spain and saw everything that you need to when traveling to Spain.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Madrid is very safe, but you need to watch out for pickpockets like in any city. The kids that got sick were taken care of by our nurse at the institute or by a doctor if needed. There are no necessary vaccines.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Always speak Spanish with people at the university and your host family. We used Spanish everyday because we live with Spanish families but our peers spoke English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host Family
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Organized Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In order to get the most out of this program you need to be open to trying new things and learning about the culture.