367 reviews
3.40 / 5 based on 367 reviews
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Jenny H
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: Basic phrases
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Well, one thing I want to clarify is that the classes at my host university were mixed. Some were in Spanish and some in English, but it was good because the teachers emphasized the importance of speaking Spanish and encouraged it. It was really great the way they handled the language barriers.
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Jenny H
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Family
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Everything in Spain is better priced!! It was fantastic! When I got home I went through shock at how much money we use here, simply on things like one beer. Spain is the greatest!
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Telephone:
was the same price as at home.
Overall, Travel, Food, Nightlife, Housing:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
get a cell phone!!
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Jenny H
Academic
Course recommendations
It was really nice because the classes are so small so you are able to recieve individual attenetion. My two favorite classes were Spanish Cultural Studies with Paco Frisuelos and Art History with Senora Carmina Galbon. Paco is VERY intelligent and makes you want to learn as well as makes the subject very interesting. Carmina is very fun, makes the students laugh a lot and has a lot of patience! I enjoyed those two particular classes very much!
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
No, school is school!!
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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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Jenny H
Overall
I wish I had known...
just that I should have done it for an entire year, instead of just one semester! I regret not staying longer. When an oppurtunity arises, take it for all it's worth, because before you know it you will realize the beauty of adventure and culture throughout the world.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
I really enjoyed it. It was hard for me becuase a lot of people already knoew each other and came together,because it stemmed from a University out of Boston, but I managed to meet some wonderful people. Also, the faculty was great! I met some of the most amazing people, especially Paco Frisuelos, who is the assitant director of student services, he is a great teacher and is a great help to all of the 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
Definitely go!!! Also, i would go individually and not with other people because it alters the way you see and experience things. I am so much more independent and have learned a great deal about surviving on my own. It was a growing experience and was really difficult at first and now all I want to do is go back!! If you can, go for a whole year, because otherwise, I can almost guarantee you will be having Spain withdrawals!! It was so far, the greatest experience of my life.
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Jenny H
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
Activities, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
All of the area of Sol is wonderful! I enjoyed the entire atmosphere of the downtown Madrid community. It was really fun to go to Flamenco shows, irish bars, nightclubs, jazz clubs, the plaza mayor and all the museums....I could go on forever!! All I know is that I had such a great time and want to be back there RIGHT NOW.
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Jenny H
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I loved living in an apartment! I only just wish that I could have been living with students of the country in which i was studying, so that I could have had a better feel for the language. But, overall it was wonderful and I met great people!
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Personal comments
Everything was really great! I know that the person in charge of housing tried really hard to make the best accomodations for everyone and also helped in making the entire stay worthwhile!
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