977 reviews
4.17 / 5 based on 977 reviews
Useful |
0
SWillems
Housing
Type of housing: With a family
Arranged by: Home university
If returning, I would choose: With a family
Why?
I felt that living with a host family was the best was to immerse myself in both the culture and the language of Spain.
Read more >
Personal comments
I had an amazing time with my Spanish 'family.' It afforded me opportunities to become an integral part of the culture I was living in.
Read more >
Useful |
0
SWillems
Student life
Describe host city:
Students interact with the local community without much university involvement
Read more >
Travel: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Activities, Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
My favorite night spots in Madrid included a club called Torrero - not to far from Sol, and another club called Bar Non - which played great music and happened to be popular with Spanish (and international) athletes.
Read more >
Useful |
0
SWillems
Academic
Course recommendations
I would recommend taking Spanish Literature and Spanish Grammar classes as they helped me most improve my speaking and comprehension abilities.
Read more >
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
I would suggest that there were more courses focused solely on learning about the history and culture of Spain in a classroom setting.
Read more >
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
Useful |
0
SWillems
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: Basic phrases
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
I think that taking all of my courses in Spanish allowed me to become quite proficient in the language. Now, I feel at ease in most all situations in which I need to speak Spanish.
Read more >
Useful |
0
SWillems
Overall
I wish I had known...
I wish that I wouldn't have been so intimidated with speaking another language. You need to just jump in a go for it - you will never learn unless you are willing to make mistakes.
Read more >
In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
I would definately encourage anyone to go - you learn more about yourself during the experience than you ever will from a text book back home.
Read more >
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
Be sure to take advantage of every chance you have to meet locals. Use common sense - but don't be afraid of being approached or approaching others. You may meet friends that will last a lifetime.
Read more >
Useful |
0
SWillems
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
Family
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
It was an opportunity to explore a whole new world of food, nightlife, museums, and travel. I wanted to be sure to experience the culture as much as I could while studying abroad.
Read more >
Food, Telephone, Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was more expensive than at home.
Housing:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
I would always budget more than what you think that you will need - this way when any unique travel or experience opportunities arrise, you may take advantage of them.
Read more >
en
Español
Français