GW Madrid (GW Study Program) : Testimonials (Madrid)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by Passport
Semester Abroad Testimonial
What would you say to a student who is wondering if he/she should apply to this program?
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GW Madrid is the best way to learn Spanish and the Spanish culture. This program goes above and beyond to make its students feel comfortable and have as many opportunities as possible. It was an amazing life changing experience.
— Eve Kramer, Academic Year 2010 |
What would you say to a student who is wondering if he/she should apply to this program?
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I would say he or she should definitely apply. Madrid was a great experience for me and I had a great time there. All the extra-cirrucular activities included in the program really helped to broaden my perspective on Spanish culture and I discovered things I would never have before.
— Nicholas Santangelo, Fall 2011 |
What would you say to a student who is wondering if he/she should apply to this program?
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If you want to experience Madrid, meet a great group of fellow GW students and take courses that definitely count toward your degree, this is the best option for study abroad.
— Julia Simon, Fall 2011 |
What would you say to a student who is wondering if he/she should apply to this program?
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Students who should put GW Madrid at the top of their list should be inspired by the Spanish language and excited to live and learn about a culture from the inside out. Madrid is a dynamic city with endless opportunities for a student. The atmosphere is fast-pace, the teachers want to help you and the Spanish students there want to learn from you! Mastery of the language will only come if the student is willing to embrace the full experience. The host mothers are top-notch and the homestay program is nothing to be afraid of. You will make friends for life on the GW Madrid program.
— Melissa Dishart, Spring 2011 |
What would you say to a student who is wondering if he/she should apply to this program?
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Coming to study in Madrid is one of the best decisions I’ve made and would not trade it for anything. I improved my Spanish a great deal and made friendships that will last me a lifetime!
— Asthaa Chaturvedi, Fall 2012 |
What would you say to a student who is wondering if he/she should apply to this program?
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DO IT! You already know that courses automatically transfer and GW provides amazing staff, support, and cultural/educational trips and events. But on top of that, the home-stay aspect is the BEST way to fully immerse yourself in Spanish culture (or any culture for that matter). I learned so much more about Spain from my host-family than I could have dreamed and I became much more "Spanish" than my friends in other non-GW programs in other cities who did not participate in a home-stay. Madrid itself is an amazing, vibrant, beautiful and livable city with so much to offer - believe it or not, I was sad to be leaving Madrid when I travelled to other countries some weekends. The Madrid culture is so interesting and enriching that you will never be bored. It is real Spain, yet also is a powerful world city with everything a metropolitan area has to offer as well. — Tyler Losey, Fall 2012 |
How did this program contribute to your overall learning experience at GW?
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This program contributed to my overall learning experience at GW by combining a lot of classroom experience with real world experience. They taught us as much in our classes as on the streets. Because of GW Madrid I have a lot more life experience and learning.
— Eve Kramer, Academic Year 2010 |
How did this program contribute to your overall learning experience at GW?
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GW Madrid was helpful in so many ways - academically, I was able to take courses that work toward my degree, had all the credits transfer with no hassle, and took classes with unique Spanish professors. I also met an awesome group of people and experienced Europe with my new friends. I learned about myself as well as the course material. This was an overall positive learning experience and I'm so glad I studied abroad with GW Madrid.
— Julia Simon, Fall 2011 |
How did this program contribute to your overall learning experience at GW?
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When I came back to school in Fall 2011, I was ecstatic to get back to Washington, DC but I kept Madrid in my thoughts everyday. I miss talking in Spanish everyday. I miss my host mother's grandkids. I miss the challenge. Everyday abroad is like a test and you feel so good about yourself when you have made the most of your time. Adapting to another country's transportation system and communicating with new people provide you with life skills that cannot be found in a classroom. My learning experience in Spain contributes to my life at GW everyday. Your experience abroad is a limitless conversation piece. Who doesn't love to travel! Studying abroad will make you appreciate time. The few months that you are living in another country go by too quickly!
— Melissa Dishart, Spring 2011 |
How did this program contribute to your overall learning experience at GW?
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I learned about topics I had been studying in Spanish class in an in-depth manner and got to see history made in a capital across the ocean. As someone studying international affairs, it was invaluable to learn from people facing challenges due to the Spanish economic crisis and see how everything from the arts to education to healthcare were changing. We were also exposed to the best of Spanish arts and culture through our program directors and professors.
— Asthaa Chaturvedi, Fall 2012 |
How did this program contribute to your overall learning experience at GW?
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It completely enriched my GW experience because I was able to take automatically transferrable classes for my major and minor, and all of my friends from GW Madrid will be back at GW to embrace reverse-culture shock with me.
— Tyler Losey, Fall 2012 |
Tell us about your favorite aspect of this program.
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My favorite aspect of this program was everything that wasn't necessary. They didn't need to take us to plays, concerts, or shows but they helped us intergrate into the culture. They didn't need to provide liasons for us to better get a feel for the university or to take us around Madrid on outings but that gave us a native's perspective that was close to our age. Everything that they did which was above and beyond was my favorite part. The trips were incredible which was more then most programs do.
— Eve Kramer, Academic Year 2010 |
Tell us about your favorite aspect of this program.
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My favorite parts of the program were the GW-planned events - weekend trips around Spain and special dinners. During these events I felt very involved and it was a great opportunity to bond with the other students in the program. GW did a fantastic job with these events and I highly recommend attending each and every one.
— Julia Simon, Fall 2011 |
Tell us about your favorite aspect of this program.
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The program coordinators in Madrid contribute to the magic of GW Madrid. Carmela, María Ángles and Javier get to know the students individually and they make a point to fully immerse you in the culture of the city and also the country. Traveling with the whole program to Barcelona, Galicia and special spots in Madrid are by far the best memories I have from the semester. If you like history, you will be obsessed with all the field trips. I personally have a difficult time remembering all the amazing things we learned but I will never forget the beautiful views and all the delicious food! In addition to this incredible group of people, the homestay mothers will be your greatest blessing. My host mother Sagrario welcomed me into her home like a close relative and she made leaving Madrid especially difficult. I tutored her granddaughter Lucía in English once a week and played with her every time she came to my house to visit her Bubu (abuela). Lastly, the friendships I made with my peer are lasting and they are relationships I give great value to in my life. It is so much fun to come back to GW and be in touch with the group from the program. People who go abroad on other programs might not have that luxury. We talk about Spain all the time, like to make tortilla de patata and drink tintos de verano. I have kept in touch with two friends from the university, Luis and Triana. They keep my Spanish sharp and make me very very eager to go back to Madrid one day. !Hala Madrid!
— Melissa Dishart, Spring 2011 |
Tell us about your favorite aspect of this program.
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My favorite aspect of the program was my home stay experience. I lived with a lovely, open-minded family who showed me interesting aspects about Madrid and were willing to explain everything - from popular music to politics. I also appreciate the fact that we were given enough free time to travel, make lasting relationships, and learn things at our own pace and to our own interest during our semester abroad. The professors and our program directors were a great support system and went the extra mile for us. if we wanted to experience something different - we just had to ask!
— Asthaa Chaturvedi, Fall 2012 |
Tell us about your favorite aspect of this program.
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How am I supposed to choose a favorite aspect of this program?!? The homestay was unbelievable, helpful and fun, the staff and professors were knowledgeable and caring, the planned trips and events were a blast, and the city is now my true second home!
— Tyler Losey, Fall 2012 |