Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living in Madrid Past Review

By (Political Science; Human Communication, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/17/2013 to 12/05/2013 with

Syracuse University: Madrid - Syracuse University in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
-how to immerse myself -how to take advantage of a situation -how to handle myself in a situation -how to travel independently -how to enjoy a city fully

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teachers were excessively harsh graders compared to the expectations that were set (the alleged intensity of the courses did not match the grading). Resources were definitely available whenever needed. The administrative staff were excellent and always very helpful!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrative staff were excellent and always very helpful! They were readily available and offered tips whenever they were sought. Resources and information were always provided.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a wonderful host family. As a vegetarian, accommodations were made and they were satisfying.

* Food:

As a vegetarian, accommodations were made for me. They were satisfying enough. I wish the various events that included food included accommodations for vegetarians (i.e. I could not participate in the Tapas crawls).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish my program did more than just the bi-monthly language exchange. Why was there more not done to ensure that we get to know the culture and people more so? The bare minimum was done and I left without any Spanish friends. I would've liked to know more Madridlenos during my time abroad.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not access health care when I was abroad.

* Safety:

Madrid is an extremely safe city. You can go out during any time of the day or nor. THe program was also safe. There were no incidents. Be wary of pick-pocketers. They are very common in Spain with the bad economy. Pay attention and protect your stuff.

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? It more was other expenses... maybe 75-100 euros a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food in advance. Find cheap places to eat before just buying food.

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? Advanced Spanish III in High School
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? DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH. YOU WILL NOT LEARN!

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with locals
  • More cultural integration
  • How to make friends with locals...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to make friends with locals...

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.