Studing Abroad at Complutense University of Madrid Past Review

By (linguistics/spanish, SUNY - Binghamton) for

Complutense University of Madrid: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It made me totally aware of culture from a new perspective

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classroom is really only half of the learning experience for this program. The other half is being in a foreign country and learning first hand from a different culture, and interacting with people who are from a different country.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

To be honest, I don't really remember the specifics about them but I think they were pretty good.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Colegio Mara: tiny single rooms, no AC, private bathrooms <br /><br />

* Food:

it wasn't that good in the cafeteria

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

flamenco show

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

i don't know firsthand about the student health issues but i heard they were handled somewhat well.

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? $132.76
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? buy low, sell high

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

spanish was not required for the program, but being able to speak the language of the country you are studying in obviously helps

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Students who want to be immersed in a different culture with new foods and unfamiliar experiences would like this program, but if you want just eat McDonald's everyday and go clubbing every night you can do the same in the US for cheaper.