Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? I enjoyed the freedom of living in my own apartment with other Spaniards my age. Living in this situation I was able to adapt myself to the life in Madrid almost immediately. The spanish students were all my age and together we all had a lot in common. We learned and grew a lot from living together. I've lived with a family in Seville, Spain in the past. It was good, however I believe that living with students I was able to learn more and grow more. With the family I was more restrited, whereas with the student living I was free to come and go as I pleased.

Personal comments:
Once again I did not live on campus at the Universtiy. I chose to live in a apartment with 4 other Spanish speaking people. I lived with one girl from Chile, 2 from Spain, and 1 male from Columbia. We all got along so well and it made my living situation an unforgetable experience. Living in close quarters with so many different cultures made me more open and attentive to the differences of each culture. It was an amazing opportunity to have experienced this.

Describe host city: Students equally interact with the local and student community

Activities, Nightlife, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal comments:
I have to say, I truly believe that in general Madrid is has a wonderful social scene and nightlife. The most wonderful thing about it is that everyone goes out to have fun and really dance! Nobody really dances in the US. People are too proud or shy to move their hips a bit. However, this is far from the truth in Madrid, Espana! There everyone from the ages of 16 till death do you part, likes to get up and go out and enjoy life with a couple of canas (small beers) and good friends of course. A couple of my favorite dance spots were La Mona Lisa bar, Zuristan, Sol, and Kapital. Now all of these places that I've listed go up in size and energy level in accordance to the order I have arranged them in. Mona Lisa for example is a bar/nightclub with some of the best music and an unbeatable atmosphere! And the latters ones are great as well however they are much bigger and not as intimate. But they are always fun. As far as cafes go, this is a hard question to answer since Madrid is one big Cafe! That is what I loved so much about Madrid and most of Europe for that matter. Everywhere you go there are so many patios set up (when it's warm of course) where you can enjoy a wonderful Cafe con Leche in the sun or some great aceitunas (olives) with a wonderful Cana. That along with some Jamon Serrano are my personal favorites! That is probably the first thing that I would eat once landed in Madrid. But if I had to name my favorite cafe, it would have to be one of the Museo's de Jamon off of Sol. This place is typical to Madrid and Spain. It's cheap, personable, and you really get to see the Spaniards in action! I love the way the workers yell out the orders to the kitchen. I go there just to hear them do it! The atmosphere is wonderful, but I warn you, don't go in there if you are a Vegetarian!!

Course recommendations:
I enjoyed very much the courses that I took at the Complutense. I had an abundance to choose from, which made it easier from the beginning. My highest recommendation would be to take up an Art History class or two. Spain had so many amazing artists from the 17th century and upward. Paintings from Goya, Picasso, Velazquez, Dali, Miro, and El Greco can be seen in various cities throughout Spain. I found it spectacular to read and study up on all of these artist and then actual see there works in person while I traveled throughout the country!! You can't do that in the US. So take advantage of that opportunity!

Personal comments:
I would highly encouraged more exchange between Spanish and foriegn students. They do offer a lot of programs, however I believe they should make it mandatory for each student to take one class that consists of only Spaniards. This could be an elective of some sort. Regardless of somebody's level, it would be the quickest and most effective way to integrate a foreign student into the life and mainstream culture of the Spanish students. This would be an excellent peak into their lives and academics. It is also a great way to make friends and practice your listening skills in a different language.

Language of instruction: Spanish

Main source of funding:
Government assistance

Other sources of funding:
Family

Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience

Personal spending habits:
The general living sitation in Spain is far cheaper than it is in the United States. The food, telephone, and the accomodations were a lot cheaper than they are in the states. I greatly enjoyed this factor a lot!

Travel, Nightlife: was the same price as at home.

Food, Overall, Telephone, Housing: was less expensive than at home.

I wish I had known...
I informed myself of everything that I needed to know and wanted to know before I arrived in Spain. The rest I like to leave as a challenge to myself. You learn more that way.

In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!