143 reviews
4.20 / 5 based on 143 reviews
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Pamela B
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice
If returning, I would choose: On campus
Why?
It was the most convenient accommodation and was also a good opportunity to meet native Spanish speakers.
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Personal comments
Although not the cheapest accommodation available, the convenience of being fully equipped makes it worthwhile. It has a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere which makes it ideal for people living abroad for the first time.
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Pamela B
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
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Nightlife, Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
For lively bars and wonderful tapas, head to the Barrio Humedo, but for a more relaxing evening with some liqueur coffees try Cafe Bambu, just behind the cathedral. The cathedral itself has to be the most impressive sight in the city and it really dominates the whole centre (also doubles up as a good landmark for when you are lost!)
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Pamela B
Overall
I wish I had known...
Northern Spain gets incredibly cold in winter - I should have taken my hot water bottle!
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Following a language course such as I did is an accessible way to live in a new country, meet people, and improve your language skills.
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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
I feel that the four months I spent in Spain gave me a golden opportunity to see a diverse country and to learn about cultures from many different countries. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in going beyond the borders of their home country.
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Pamela B
Academic
Course recommendations
The Spanish course that I followed was generally very well organised and I feel that I did learn a lot. However, it was disappointing that I spent so much time with other international students rather than Spaniards.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
It would have been interesting to have a choice of some modules on culture etc rather than all having to follow the same lessons.
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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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Pamela B
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
ALthough I was relatively competent in written Spanish before going to Leon, the experience really benefitted my spoken Spanish, which had been a weak area for me previously.
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Pamela B
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I worked, but it was illegal/cash in hand work
Personal spending habits
I took the opportunity to travel as much as possible whilst I was abroad, hence the increase in spending in this category, but Spain is very much cheaper than England, so I found that most aspects of my life there were less expensive than in England.
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Travel:
was more expensive than at home.
Telephone:
was the same price as at home.
Food, Housing, Nightlife, Overall:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
In Leon, tapas are free when you buy a drink, so if you're feeling a little low on cash, save money by going out in the evening and getting a free meal with your drinks!
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