Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I am glad that I did not miss this experience! Past Review

By (Concordia University - Wisconsin) - abroad from 06/14/2018 to 08/30/2018 with

CEU San Pablo University: Madrid - Practical Introduction to the World of Pharmacy, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The best think I gained is the feeling of how we all are the same. Though we may have different language and culture, we are ultimately the same. It is interesting to see how much we can communicate with each other without knowing the same language. This experience was truly worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I love experiencing different cultures. This program allowed me to experience the history, food, and lifestyle while also learning about Pharmacy in Spain. Everything was well organized. We had enough time to tour cities, free time to do shopping, and time to learn.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was very easy to live on a student budget. Meals were provided from the school, so that was an easy way to save money. Also we were all given metro cards to get around the city and I did not have to pay extra for that. Instead I used the money for shopping.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It was cheaper to withdraw money (euros) from the atm than convert dollars to euros at a money exchange.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High School
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Embrace the culture. Do not be afraid to use any of the words or phrases you may know.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Good balance of free time and in class time.
  • Dorms were very comfortable and clean.
* What could be improved?
  • Having Spanish language classes on the topics of restaurants and shopping earlier in the trip, so we may use what we learn.
  • Possibly having another city tour (this could be an optional trip).
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are no greeting cards that I was able to find in Spain. There were some very nice people I met there, to whom I wanted to give a Thank You card. If I had known I would have taken some from home.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.