186 reviews
4.16 / 5 based on 186 reviews
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Laura M
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Other
Other sources of funding:
Family<br>
An ERASMUS grant
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Telephone/travel obviously more expensive. Housing much cheaper, as was food. Nightlife was also cheaper but I went out a lot more frequently therefore probably spent more than I would at home.
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Nightlife, Travel, Telephone:
was more expensive than at home.
Overall:
was the same price as at home.
Housing, Food:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
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Laura M
Academic
Course recommendations
Be careful with the ones given in the local langauge, Galego, it seems daunting at first, but give it a go, it's surprising howe easy it can be to pick it up.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
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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Laura M
Overall
I wish I had known...
The extent to which the local language is used, with Galego people tend to dismiss it as a dying tongue, it isn't and you should be prepared to meet the odd person who refuses to speak Castilian. However given a few months it won't matter because you will have picked up enough of it to understand anyway.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Enjoy it! The people can be quirky, the teachers a bit shoirt at times but just appreciate the place for what it is, and have fun.
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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
Don't hesitate about going on a year abroad, although it seems scary and you will be homesick for a while, it'll be worth it. You will gain so much both academically and personally from the experience. As for Santiago, just don't be put off by the rain!!
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Laura M
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: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
The experience was at first hindered by the fact that a lot of people would speak Galego in social settings. As the year progressed, however, rather than see this as a hinderance, I chose to see it as an opportunity as not only did I leave Spain with much better Castilian, I had learnt the basics of their local language too! In terms of lessons, it wasn't too bad, and the Spanish for foreigners lessons were a constant reminder what we were all there for, i.e. to learn Spanish!!
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Laura M
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - My choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
Because you get more freedom and independance and i believe that it worked out cheaper than living in the halls of residence.
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Personal comments
The Halls that i was placed in originally were nice in terms of cleaniliness, facilities etc. However I had been placed in a double room and didnt get on with the girl i had to share with. This was mainly due to age difference and the fact that her and her friends made no attempt to converse with me in Castilian and would speak in their local tongue which I found quite rude and intimidating when I first arrived there.
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Laura M
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
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Activities, Nightlife, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Cafes and bars: O Filandón, perfect for wine and tapas; Pepa a Loba; Séptimo Cielo; O Retablo.
Places to visit: Corrubedo; Praia das Catedrales (near Ribadeo); Fogar do Santiso; Las Islas Cíes
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