Comments of Recent HCAYS Participants

From 2007 students:

 --I think Comillas was a perfect starting point, because it was small enough to be sort of homey, and for us to explore on our own as we got settled in.  Later, the day trips were a really interesting way of exploring northern Spain.

--Also the programs that have been organized for us in Madrid have been really great opportunities.

--the tutorials are a good supplement to gain a stronger background in Spanish grammar and to really reinforce what we learn in class.

--I found it an amazing opportunity to travel throughout Spain while learning so much about each region or city that we visited.  It is clear that each trip was very well-planned, and that a lot of effort was put into making sure that every detail of the excursion went smoothly.

--I found it interesting how some of our trips seemed to be organized around different themes for us to investigate - for example, during our first trip we visited many different examples of city cathedrals, and very quickly learned to tell the difference between Gothic and Roman style churches, and to identify the basic characteristics of each.  In other trips, we learned a lot about the evolution of Spanish art and architecture, especially in Barcelona by visiting museums of Miro and Dali, and the houses and park of Gaudi.

--I think the best thing about this program for me is the Hamilton staff who worked so hard to make this semester a truly incredible experience for us.

--the entire administration of the program really went above and beyond the responsibility of their jobs to make sure that each and every student was happy, healthy, and doing well here in Spain.  I really was consistently amazed by the passion that each of the staff brought to their jobs and to the program, and I believe that that passion really sets this program apart from other study abroad programs in Spain, after talking with friends in other Spanish programs.

--There are just so many examples of seemingly "little" things like this that really mean so much to the students here, and are very clear proof of the high level of passion and dedication that the staff members bring to their jobs.

--It is great to essentially have two families in Spain -- one as our host families in Madrid, and the other as the Hamilton staff.  It is the perfect support system.

--this program has been such a wonderful experience.  I really appreciate the idea of the language pledge, and I think that is something that sets this program apart from any other Spanish language program.

--This has been an amazing, life-changing experience that I will never forget.  Thank you so much for all of the work that goes into making this such an outstanding program for all of us!

--Incredible!!  The excursions were extremely well planned, educational, and fun.

--Thank you for coordinating such a wonderful program!  Especially after comparing this one with other programs, I feel very lucky to have been a participant!

--The reimbursement of cultural activities is one of my favorite aspects about the program because it really encourages us to get out there and experience Madrid without reservations because of the cost.

--The family selected for us was most wonderful.  Some of my most fun times were spent with my Spanish family.  Bien hecho!

--I also really appreciate that the program encourages us to partake of cultural events such as theater and museums on our own by reimbursing us for half the cost.

--All amazing!  You definitely know how to take care of us.  Cultural activities not lacking in any way...

--Very well organized program seems to work fluidly and well.  No major hiccups that I have seen.  Job well done!  I have loved my time here.

--Overall, the program was fantastic and I think the best one that I could have chosen.  My Spanish has improved so much because of the Spanish-only rule.  It's a great idea.  I've already recommended the program to other students in my school!

--The excursions were great!  If it wasn't for the excursions I don't think I would've traveled so much or gotten a sense of Spain as an entire county.

--One thing I liked best about the administration was that they knew our names and faces even before we arrived - that let me know they were already invested in us as their new family.

--Orientation - Amazing!

--This is, without a doubt, the best program in Madrid, in Spain (& I've compared notes w/other students!)

--The greatest & most important thing about the program:  THE RULE (about speaking Spanish only).

--I think that the excursions are really what sets the Hamilton program apart from other american programs in Spain...  I think they always had a really good balance between free time and guided tours.

--Excursions were AMAZING, definitely of of the best parts of this program.

--this is an incredible program and I really appreciate all the hard work that goes into making it so great!

HCAYS students at the Roman ruins in Mérida

Recent comments about professors and courses:

--The class allowed me to get inside the language...in a way I never have before, really think about what, exactly, different things mean, and understand language as a concept, in a much more complicated way. (Reference t Prof. Vivian Samudio)

--¡A mí me encanta Tomás! Sentí muy acogida, como si fuera su propia hija. Nos invitó a su casa para más ayuda...le importaba como estudiante. (Reference t Prof. Tomás Rodríguez-Cano)

--¡Este professor es uno de mis profesores favoritos que he tenido en toda la vida!... Marcos was an incredible teacher... Estoy agradecida que nos invitara a su casa. Es uno de mis mejores profesores de toda mi vida. (Reference t Prof. Marcos Roca)

--Es una de los mejores profesores que he tenido, no solamente de este programa, sino de todas mis clases de la universidad... I learned about the most important aspects of Spain in this class. I think Miguel was great.  (Reference t Prof. Miguel Requena)

--Linda was amazing! She did a great job of explaining/describing the art work that we were looking at, and used our time in museums wisely... Both Alfredo and Linda were wonderful teachers. I was incredibly impressed with how much they truly wanted us to learn about and also enjoy the art and our entire experience in Madrid. I can't say enough about how wonderful they were as professors. (Reference t Professors Linda Hament and Alfredo Ramón)

--La mejor profesora de baile de todo el mundo. No existe una persona más simpática...Laura es la mejor. Es super maja y una profesora buenísima. No puedo imaginar otra profesora que fuera mejor. (Reference to : Prof. Laura Murcia)

--Ha sido un honor tomar una clase con el ilustre Ricardo Doménech. Tiene un conocimiento increíble sobre el teatro, y siempre nos lo presenta con un entusiasmo infectuoso. Es un hombre majísimo... El profesor es super-amable y simpático. Recomiendo esta clase a todo el mundo... Me encantó la clase y me encantó él. (Reference t Prof. Ricardo Doménech)

--Me encantaba la experiencia de tener una práctia en Madrid, He aprendido muchísimo de mi práctica sobre la cultura y sociedad españolas. (Reference t Prof. Sheila Klaiber's internship program)

--Teresa was by far one of the best professors I've had. My Spanish has improved immeasurably not only because I've been speaking and writing it for a whole semester, but also because of her help. She was always enthusiastic to help us in any way she could... I loved this class! I loved her teaching style! She does a great job at making sure everyone understands and is participating. I wish she could come to Scripps! (Reference t Prof. Teresa Bordón)

--Julia es una profesora muy Buena. Nos invitó a su casa dos veces y siempre estaba disponible. Me encantó. (Reference t Prof. Julia Doménech)

1994-95 HCAYS students (with Prof. Secundino González,
far right) at the podium of the Spanish Cortes (Parliament)