Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)

Unless you can work it out to stay the entire academic year, it's nearly impossible to take classes with the Spanish students in the Complutense. I was happy with my courses in the Reunidas (a group of many American Universities within the Complutense) but it would have been nice to have an even more authentic experience.

More tests and quizzes throughout. Spaniards take one midterm and one final- that determines your whole grade! It's great for a while, but come finals you feel the pressure.

At home, I tend to be pretty tight with my budget. I don't have the opportunity to travel as much, the nightlife isn't as exciting so I tend to spend wisely. Going to Spain, I KNEW my choices would be much more interesting, so I planned for that. However, the exchange rate was amazing & I ended up spending less than $2500 for the whole semester (i.e. food, entertainment, travel.) My trip to Mallorca was only $200 after all was said & done!

I wish I had known what an incredible program I would be attending and what a life-altering experience it would be for me. I would have alloted an entire year to spend in Madrid.

Marquette's program covers everything. The academic aspect is great- being in a very prestigious Spanish university with TONS of opportunities to use all of their facilities. Marquette does both day and overnight trips for the group, provides a wonderful group advisor who helps out in any situation. The homestay was wonderful. I couldn't have asked for more. While other students I know saw their trip simply as a few months of partying, mine was a chance to change my entire way of life. I HIGHLY recommend Marquette in Madrid through the Universidad Complutense.

Living with my senora was an amazing experience. I got home cooking and a real homey feel. She showed interest in me and helped me to feel comfortable in my times of confusion or frustration. She taught me what it was really like to live in Madrid. Of course, there were occasional barriers between us, but ultimately, it was great to have to use my language skills to work out even the most minor problems.