367 reviews
3.40 / 5 based on 367 reviews
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Rodney C
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
I spent more in Spain because it was Spain. My attitude was "when will I ever get the chance to come back here again?"
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Travel, Overall, Nightlife:
was more expensive than at home.
Food, Housing, Telephone:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
My best advice would be to SAVE your money. That was my problem. I did not know how to save. Once you go to the ATM and find out you have no money left and your only into a month of your study abroad then you have a problem. Don't waste your money on drinking or clubs or even shopping because your going to regret it at the end. Try to save your money to TRAVEL. Don't forget that France and Italy is literally right next door. Go there.
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Rodney C
Languages
Language of instruction: Spanish
Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Spanish
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
Before Spain, I did not know a work of spanish. Of couse I have heard it before, but could not understand or speak a word of it. It was struggle the first couple of months getting adjusted to the language and going out in the city or asking people for directions. But the more I went to spanish class, and listened to the language everyday, I picked up some key phrases. Now back in the States, when I hear people speaking spanish, I can almost fully understand them. Also, I watch a lot of Spanish TV at home and it helps a lot as well.
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Rodney C
Overall
I wish I had known...
The only thing I wished before going was to bring more clothes. I literally wore the same thing each week. It sucked. Other then that, no.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
My personal recommendation is to build more of a community between american and international students.
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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 had the best four months of my life. I recommend this program for any college student who wants a change of scenery and wants to learn a new language, travel, or see some different in their life. Life is too short to stay in the same place. Go out and enjoy a new environment. Be careful not being a victim of vandalism. Watch your stuff and keep your American attitudes in America. Blend in with the Spanish people and have fun.
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Rodney C
Academic
Course recommendations
If you want to learn about Spanish culture and history either take History of Spain with Shaw or Spanish Cultural Studies with Paco. You will get so much out of either class. Even though they give massive amount of work to do, especially Paco's class, its all worth it at the end. Also, if you want to learn Spanish, take a lot of spanish classes as well.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
I think there should be more of a community between the international students and the american students. the american students tended to stay within there own and the international students as well. I would say an exchange program within the two groups should be created.
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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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Rodney C
Student life
Describe host city:
Students interact with the local community without much university involvement
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Nightlife: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Travel, Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
My favorite night spots were the bars called O'Connels and the other one called O'Neils. Great pints of beer at a great price. I loved the night club Kapital. The restaurants are pretty cool. Don't miss out on the little tapas bars. Cafe y TE is a great cafe to hang out, smoke, study, or just meet other people.
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Rodney C
Housing
Type of housing: Dormitory
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Dormitory
Why?
I loved the dormitory because I got to live with some pretty good people. I loved that I got my room cleaned once a week and my laundry done. Also, I love the location cause its in the middle of the city where there is a shopping center, cinemas, clubs and bars. What more could you ask for.
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Personal comments
The accomidation was pretty good. The only thing that could change are the ridiculous rules they make you sign before you move into your place. Less rules would lesson the complaints.
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