Lovely, enchanting, enriching experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I will commencee by sharing personal opinion of the teachers, instructors, and professors. Quite simply put, the professors were absolutely fantastic and incredible. First, they were incredibly well versed and knowledgeable in their respective areas of expertise. From my phonetics professor, to my grammar professor, literature professor, they were all unique in their own way and contained inmense academic information that shared with students. Second, the resources were fantastic. You have access to computer labs, there are quiet libraries where you can complete homework, and if you are like me and prefer to do school work in cafes, Alcala has many cafes with wi-fi where you can concentrate and complete schoolwork. Moreover, professors were more than willing to answer e-mails, meet with you after class to answer questions, and perhaps one of the most utilized resources was the tutoring that professors offered. Overall, my instructors in Alcala de Henares were extremely helpful, flexible, and adaptable always at the disposition of the academic needs of the student. Perhaps the most important aspect was the stimulation and growth of my own intellectual interests. I was exposed to notable and celebrated Spanish poets and writers such as Antonio Machado, Federico Garcia Lorca, and Miguel de Unamuno - literary artists whose works and writings I continue to read to this day. Another hobby I was introduced to in Alcala was foreign film, particularly Spanish cinema and the central theme of how cinema can be used to critique different components of society. Years later, I watch Spanish-language films that depict and portray Spanish society and politics during different historical eras such as the Spanish Civil War, life during Francos decades in power, etc. All in all, I was more than satisfied academically and intellectually. The buildings are beautiful, the resources are abundant, and the professors were well trained, educated, informative, helpful, flexible, adaptable - they were great instructors.

On-site administration of your program

My administrator was Cristina Blanco. First, Cristina was organized. Everything was well planned and her execution of the itinerary was fantastic. Second, Cristina made the students needs a priority - if we were sick, she directed us to the correct and proper healthcare. If we were struggling academically, she would arrange tutors and study groups to ensure our success in our classes. She made sure we were safe, comfortable, healthy and succeeding academically. I will share a personal story. I was sick with bronchitis and felt fatigue and very tired. Cristina ensured that her assistant accompanied me to the hospital where I received chest x-rays, was diagnosed with bronchitis, and was prescribed medicine so that I could recover and recuperate. Cristina exceeds expectations to meet the indidivual needs of each program participant.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Personally, my host mother was kind and gentle. She was a wonderful cook however I did not enjoy homestay, but it was not because of my host family. My reasons and motives for not enjoying my homestay were personal. When I arrived in Alcala, I had lived on my own for almost 4 years. I was accustomed to eating when I want, eating what I want, coming home when I want, and having my own rules. Students have to understand that in a homestay you have to respect the rules of the house, if you say you are coming home at midnight and do not come home until 6 AM this will worry your host parents. You have to call and check in. If you are not able to make it to lunch, please inform your host parents ahead of time so they do not prepare food for you and then it goes to waste. These were mistakes that I committed and part of the reason for this is that I was completely accustomed to living on my own.

THE FOOD IN ALCALA IS FANTASTIC! First, el cafe con leche is great. Spanish coffee is very flavorful. Second, the wine is great quality and less expensive than good wine we can find in the USA. Third, tapas are another experience that enrich Spanish culture and make it so wonderfully enjoyable. I would recommend you try everything. Do not be afraid to try things you have never seen before. The seafood, the paella, jamon serrano, jamon iberico, the chorizo, it is all tasty, yummy, scrumptious and delicious.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

From a social perspective, some of my favorite people with whom I have been blessed to have crossed life paths live in Alcala. I met a group of young Spanish men and women whom I became close with and continue to maintain a friendship with today. They are dear to my heart. Also, if you want to feel like you belong, do what the Spanish do. Go to a futbol game (I recommend Atletico de Madrid before Real Madrid if you choose to be a fan), go to a play or comedy show at the historic and antique Alcala theatre, go to a botellon with friends.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare is efficient, modern, and advanced like most Western countries. I contracted bronchitis and I was treated professionally and properly.

Alcala is safe. I have lived in Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Miami, and I think all these American cities are more dangerous. These cities are generally safe, and Alcala is even more safe (from my personal experience) than these cities in the United States.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

First, if you go to Madrid a lot you will spend a lot of money. Second, Alcala has wonderful bars, cafes, restaurants that are very affordable. You have to explore and find them. Third, depends on how much you travel outside of Spain. Some of my classmates traveled to France, Portugal, Germany, England, Ireland etc and traveling costs money. Fourth, it depends on your own personal finance situation. Do you parents have lots of money? Did you save up prior to coming to Alcala?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

First, classes were all in Castellano Second, there are various social events organized so you can meet and make friendships with Spanish people. Having Spanish friends greatly improves your language proficiency.

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Host Family

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• Local Students
• International Students
• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Friends/People
• Spanish Culture - history, food, sports, foreign cinema, literature

• Everything is perfect

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer