Spain: Maayan Magaziner
Program: WIP Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spring
Majors: Psychology; Spanish
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
I couldn’t have known how much choosing a homestay as my housing accommodation would positively affect my study abroad experience. I was excited about the opportunity to live with a Madrileña family and I am so glad I acted on this feeling. My host family welcomed me into their home with open arms and open hearts. The beginning nerves quickly disappeared and I soon felt comfortable with the balance of forming a relationship with the family and going about my day independently. Throughout my stay, the eldest daughter and I baked a mix of universal and Spanish desserts, the youngest son and I discussed our favorite Roald Dahl stories, and the mom and I stayed in the kitchen long after dinner ended chatting about this and that. My most memorable experience was forming a special bond with my host family and seeing and learning with my own eyes what living in Madrid is like. I am forever grateful for this opportunity of living with a Spanish family!
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
The motivation and passion for the Spanish language that I gained from this opportunity stretch past these few months. It reassured my aspirations to use the language in my future career. I am certain that the opportunity I had to practice my Spanish so consistently will be extremely helpful. I took five classes in Spanish, which challenged my reading, writing, speaking, attention span and professional skills. It is not only the classroom experience that will benefit me, as I believe something as simple as reading the restaurant menu in Spanish will serve me in the future. My favorite part of the study abroad experience was getting to put my Spanish to use, immersing myself into the culture and lifestyle. As the few months went on, I became increasingly comfortable with the language and my motivation to improve only grew. This part of my study abroad experience in itself fulfilled me and will absolutely benefit me in the future.
I felt that everything was manageable and not too demanding, however it is important to know the rigor and expectations before committing to the program.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
I will pass on some academic advice I received when I was considering WIP Madrid. The academic requirements and expectations are just as rigorous as UW-Madison, if not more. The class structure and grading at Universidad de Complutense work differently than UW Madison; therefore the student must adjust at first. I felt that everything was manageable and not too demanding, however it is important to know the rigor and expectations before committing to the program. The program staff was very approachable and supportive throughout the entire process, providing tools and advice for success. I do not think this piece of information should push a student away from choosing WIP, but it is something to keep in mind.
What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
Soon after arriving in Madrid, I picked up on the slow-paced lifestyle and had a hard time imagining jumping back into the rushed and pressured way of life in the United States. It served me well to observe and learn how to take one step at a time instead of always thinking of the next task, always running to the next place. Mornings have a different meaning for me now; more peaceful and relaxing. I really appreciate the slower pace I picked up on in Madrid. I adapted to this quickly and it is something I hope to bring forward.