977 reviews
4.17 / 5 based on 977 reviews
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Jamie D
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, United States
Language, Undergraduate, Independent
Student life
Describe host city:
Students interact with the local community without much university involvement
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Activities, Nightlife, Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Quite possibly the nightlife capitol of Europe.
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Jamie D
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, United States
Language, Undergraduate, Independent
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - My choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I think that, particularly for Americans who study abroad through a program, it's best to arrange your own housing to better benefit from having to function completely independently. You choose the location and with whom you live, and also have the freedom that is lacking with homestays.
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Personal comments
I found a group called EASO on the internet, they arrange a room in a flat for as long as you need it--if you arrange it early enough. You live with 10 or 12 people, usually internationals.
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Jamie D
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, United States
Language, Undergraduate, Independent
Academic
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
I had difficulties getting the books I needed from the libraries; and because Complutense and Politecnica are right next to each other, it is sometimes difficult to tell which campus the library you're in belongs to. If you have research projects to do, consider finding an alternative early.
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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
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Jamie D
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, United States
Language, Undergraduate, Independent
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: Did not speak it
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Live with students, and refrain as much as possible from speaking your native language.
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Jamie D
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, United States
Language, Undergraduate, Independent
Overall
I wish I had known...
Cost of telephony
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
A large university with good resources and a good location.
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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
A terrific city. Underrated in Europe, but perhaps not as cosmopolitan as I would like, though this is changing.
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Jamie D
Cleveland State University, Cleveland, United States
Language, Undergraduate, Independent
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Government assistance
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work
Personal spending habits
If your flat doesn't already have a phone installed, then it will likely be exorbitant to do so. Likewise, mobile phones (credit) cost more here than in other Western European countries. Groceries are cheap in some places (Alcosto, Dia, Lidl, & sometimes Hipercor) and not in others (El Corte Ingles). Decent restaurants are often cheaper: look for the no-name menu del dia places behind Puerta del Sol.
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Telephone, Travel:
was more expensive than at home.
Food, Housing, Nightlife, Overall:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Depending on where you are coming from, it can be difficult to bring certain things, i.e., small appliances. Things like an iron and ironing board tend to be expensive. Also, watch out for the heating bill.
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