Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Daring Adventure that is Study Abroad Past Review

By (Chemistry, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/20/2017 to 06/01/2017 with

UC3M / Universidad Carlos III de Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was definitely worthwhile. I was able to refine my Spanish skills, meet locals and other students from around the world, and learn about many different cultures. I have made lifelong friends and memories that are invaluable. This experience has also helped to shape me into the person I am today - independent and adventurous. The self discovery that happens when you go abroad is truly incredible.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to flea markets and events like that. In addition to being full of cultural experiences, the items bought and sold there are generally cheaper than they are if you buy them off the street or in stores.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • meeting people from all over the world
  • trying food from all over the world
  • travelling to many different countries
* What could be improved?
  • housing options through the university
  • the course enrollment process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That my housing issue would be sorted within the first two days of my arrival. I wish I would have had a definite housing plan going over. That would have saved me a lot of stress.