A Complete Cultural Immersion Past Review
By A student (Linguistics., Tufts University) - abroad from 09/01/2011 to 06/15/2012 with
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Madrid
It was an incredibly worthwhile experience. I gained a greater sense of independence and ease in social interactions. I also, of course, improved my Spanish level immensely and gained a greater understanding of the Spanish culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had an intense workload and many academic resources by taking multiple classes at the host university (rather than program classes) and utilizing their libraries, professor tutoring sessions, etc. It is possible that other students had a less academically rigorous experience had they decided to take primarily program classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff is helpful, nice, smart, and incredibly supportive. I couldn't have asked for more!!! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
Food is very cheap in Spain , but weekend trips to other countries can be expensive. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 Euros |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 22 |
| 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 be afraid to talk to Spaniards in your classes and talk every day with your host family. |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known about the reimbursements that they were going to give us. I think many more people would be interested in this program if they knew about that. |
