168 reviews
3.23 / 5 based on 168 reviews
Useful |
2
Rachel S
Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Overall
I wish I had known...
The food in Spain is kinda gross. For example, jamon iberico. It's very popular, but it's just really fatty ham. Also, spanish guys are very pushy, but I guess I knew that already.
Read more >
In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Go to this school if you don't want to do much work.
Read more >
During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Watch your possessions when you go out in Madrid. One friend got her camera and wallet stolen right outside her apartment. Two other friends got pickpocketed, but got their stuff back because they were forced to threaten the offenders.
Read more >
Useful |
0
Rachel S
Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Academic
Course recommendations
In my international communication class, we barely did any work. It was a joke. Spanish art class was pretty boring. International business class was decent and the teacher was interesting. Spanish conversation was hard to follow at times.
Read more >
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
The classes were not dynamic enough...communication class was so basic, I don't think I really learned anything new. Maybe..go into more depth about important topics instead of simple overviews of each form of communication...
Read more >
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Useful |
0
Rachel S
Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Languages
Language of instruction: Spanish
Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your Spanish?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
In social situations, people had patience with the process of translation, however during class, the instructor was quite impatient and demanding.
Read more >
Useful |
1
Rachel S
Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Expenses
Main source of funding:
A private grant
Other sources of funding:
Family
Personal savings
Government assistance
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
We went to bars/clubs at least 3 nights a week, plus I traveled to 6 other European countries, and housing, food, and shopping contributed to the many expenses.
Read more >
Housing, Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was more expensive than at home.
Food:
was the same price as at home.
Telephone:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Eating good food all the time becomes very expensive, so I suggest you buy groceries as much as possible and learn to cook! Nothing can be done about the cost of nightlife, unless you just don't go out..and that's stupid. You bring 2 grand for spending money, you'll spend it in less than 2 months. We got a monthly grocery delivery, so food was not a huge problem...just bring a ton of money or hope your parents will wire some from time to time.
Read more >
Useful |
4
Rachel S
Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - My choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
Even though we were slobs, the five of us had so much fun and freedom living in an apartment!!
Read more >
Personal comments
The Spanish landlord was a loser and always came to our apartment to complain about noise level, cleanliness, broken appliances, etc. But besides that, we had so much fun living in an apartment. I think students living in homestays may learn the language better, but make less friends.
Read more >
Useful |
3
Rachel S
Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
Read more >
Activities, Nightlife: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
O'Connell St. is a great Irish bar that everyone loves. Santiago Bernabeu is a great area for clubs. Sol is a popular area for clubs, but is often too touristic. Palacio Gaviria is a great place to meet people from many different countries. Different rooms play different music and everyone is dancing, having a great time. Club Look, Chesterfield Cafe, Dreams, and Kapital are also good choices. Madrid is the best in Europe for nightlife!
Read more >
en
Español
Français