MY most career-defining experience of EPIC proportions! Past Review

By (Falmouth University) - abroad from 04/11/2016 to 06/03/2016 with

The Intern Group: Madrid Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile in the sense that I got to elevate my sense of being and surrender myself to a whole new way of life. Madrid LOVED me just as much as I LOVED MADRID and, over and above the worthwhile international work experience I received, I'm still taken aback at just how much of a good fit Madrid was for my sensibilities. For instance, I'm like a night owl who's mostly energetic and proactive in the evening time, which means I tend to get things done (i.e. errands etc.) later in the day. Madrid is a city that never sleeps so basic services (i.e. supermarkets/public transport etc.) run until late at night, which is EXACTLY what someone like me is accustomed to. I mean, some gyms close at midnight for goodness sake - WINNING!!!! Overall, my experience living and working in Madrid was a life-changing endeavour that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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

Being and outgoing and sociable guy, immersing myself in a new country with entirely different customs, cultures and languages was just what the doctor ordered. I'm interested in learning about the similarities and disparities between multitudes of people as a whole and I also enjoy discovering different ways of life. With that said, España re-introduced me to myself in many respects. I had to display different facets of myself in various situational scenarios (both professional & personal) in a foreign Spanish-speaking country and I dove right in it headfirst, revelled in the experiences and took everything (work/friends/food/fitness/nightlife/dating) ALL IN!!!

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)

I'm from South Africa so the unfavourable ZAR to Euro exchange rate made budgeting a bit more challenging.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy and prepare your own food at home. Don't eat out unless it's a special occasion.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
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? Get formal lessons in the language and try not to relay solely on audiobooks and mobile apps, although they are helpful and you will get by using them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • The Intern Madrid team and the procurement process.
  • My work colleagues, boss, and host company.
  • Bearing witness to the vast array of aesthetically beautiful women & men living in Madrid.
* What could be improved?
  • More networking events could've been helpful; I never got to attend any during my 8-week long stay.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The experience, in its entirety, is VERY costly.

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.