Past Review
By Jeanine C (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Tufts University) for
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Madrid
Ultimately, it was worthwhile, because it was part of life. I think I learned most about what I'm NOT more than having a match with who I am. I would have definitely thrived more in a different environment and actually left the program for that reason. I know plenty of people who loved it, so this is definitely a personal opinion. Many who loved it enjoyed the shopping, the nightlife, and tended to be open to meeting "Erasmus" (other european students), or hanging with Americans. I made the mistake of trying to have soley Spanish friends and isolated myself a bit as a result. No matter what, try to find the best.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2006 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes were very much what you made them. Professors were serious, but students were not. American students attended class most frequently. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Spanish staff were very accommodating and always willing to help. They were very approachable and available. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I LOVED my host family. This was the single best part of the program. I lived with an elderly couple who took me in as their own and I thoroughly enjoyed the time we shared each day. <br /><br /> Housing was in a good location, I had my own room. Of course it is always initially uncomfortable to live in someone else's house and not necessarily have a place to call your own, but as far as safety and accessibility, the place was great! |
| * Food: |
Did not like the meat, greasyness, routine |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
THe program ensured that you would see a certain amount of art in various forms and really learn a lot about the Spanish culture, I thought this was very helpful. Each month you also had to record these insights and events in a journal. |
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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? |
No
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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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Not sure- didn't feel there was anything abnormal or outrageous about spending. It depends on your habits and interests. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The immersion was the most incredible way to improve in the language. Being in upper level courses with Spaniards was very helpful. I was just reviewing a 22 page paper I wrote for a class and can not believe I was writing at that level. The improvement happened daily and was very noticeable. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | see above |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Psychology of Memory |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | Great course- really informative, interesting. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No problems. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Philosophy: World of the Subject and the Human Condition |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | Difficult upper level philosophy course. Most of the students were extremely dedicated and serious. (Except for one who once came in completely drunk). The professor was very good and considerate. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No problems. |
