An amazing and life-changing experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My classes were excellent and were taught by professors who not only knew their subject, but were also accustomed to teaching students whose first language was not Spanish.

On-site administration of your program

Cristina Blanco was amazing at leading our program. She was diligent and prepared for all emergencies. For example I had a minor medical issue that had to be taken care of and she made sure that I could find the nearest doctor's office and even offered to come with me if I was nervous.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was a little hard to live with another family, but I greatly preferred it to living in the campus dorms. Pepi is an amazing cook and I found that my Spanish improved immensely in daily conversation with her and her sons.

I ate like a queen both in the homestay and out in the town. Everything is fresh, simple delicious, and generally not very expensive. I still miss my bocadillos.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It took some time for me to develop my confidence, but I think being in Alcala de Henares (rather than Madrid proper) caused me to feel more part of the community. On my way to class I would pass an "estanco," a stand where they sold newspapers, gum, and the like. After a few weeks I started to get to know the men who ran it and we would chat for a few minutes on my way to school. My friends and I became regulars at a few of the cafes in town and we became quite friendly with the waiters there. It was the best part of living abroad.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health care was easily accessible and free. I had to go to the doctor twice, both for minor issues. Cristina made sure that I got to the doctor nearest to me. I received good care and good advice both times I went. The pharmacies were well stocked and the pharmacists were always willing to help me if need be. I wouldn't be worried about the health care system in Spain.

Spain (and Europe in general) is known for having pickpockets. Cristina always told us to have "mil ojos" in order to ensure that we safeguarded our things. I would recommend that women use a bag that slings over the chest and that they keep a hand on the opening of their bag in crowded places. Men should keep wallets in their front pockets. Women would also be well-advised to only engage with people that they really want to talk to. Some men can be pushy and can make a woman uncomfortable. Don't be afraid to tell a person to leave you alone. A woman alone can't be subtle or polite.

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

It is hard to answer this question because it really depends how much auxiliary travel a student does, how they choose to travel, and how often/where they choose to eat out. I think I spent about $2000-$3000 dollars over the course of 5 months, but I also traveled practically every weekend and spent a week in Italy at the end of my trip.

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

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students

• Learning Spanish
• Immersing myself in culture
• Cristina Blanco!

• Access to Wifi (although that may have improved since I studied there)

The Academic or Linguist