467 reviews
4.23 / 5 based on 467 reviews
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Susan H
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - My choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
More independence/freedom. Also, it would be better if friends or family came to visit.
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Personal comments
The university normally sets up international students with homestays, but I chose to find housing on my own. Most of the other students were very happy with there homestay families, and if one wasn't happy with their situation, the university was very understanding about it and would work with him or her and switch them to a different home if need be.
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Susan 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
The festival Las Fallas in March. The neighborhood El Carme has some great bars.
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Susan H
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work
Personal spending habits
Most food is cheaper when at the supermarket. Most restaurants are the same though. I had a mobile phone, and the rates were the same as a mobile calling card plan. My apartment was a lot cheaper than in the U.S. Most bars and disos were cheaper, although a few are more expensive. Travel was cheaper mainly just because public transportation was a lot cheaper.
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Telephone:
was the same price as at home.
Nightlife, Overall, Travel, Food, Housing:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
If you are going to be using buses (main form of public transportaion), I highly suggest buying a "bonobus" ticket, which is 10 rides on any bus. It is half the price of paying the driver every time. Same goes for the local trains. If you have to take the train everyday, buy a monthly pass to save money.
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Susan H
Academic
Course recommendations
The Art History course tought by Professor Puig was amazing. He's one of the best teachers I've ever had.
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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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Susan H
Overall
I wish I had known...
I had already know this, but I know that other students said that they had wished they had known that everyone dresses really nicely. There were times when certain students felt uncomfortable because they were underdressed (shorts, tee-shirt, flip-flops, etc), and many found themselves buying clothes there. Best to bring nice clothes with you so that you don't have to spend the money when you get there buying new stuff unless you were already planning on shopping there.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
A great university. Knowledgable professors, helpful program directors and assistants, and a great location in the center of the city. I would highly recommend it to pretty much anyone.
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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
It definitely helps to have atleast a basic level of spanish. It is not a very touristy city, so not too many people speak english.
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Susan 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: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
The professors were very helpful and would explain certain words and terms when someone did not know or understand something. Most locals were the same way too. They all respected the fact that a foreigner was in their country learning their language and showing an interest in their culture.
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