Beware: Spanish drinks are really cheap, and Spanish guys are really strong Past Review

By (International Business., International Students on Abroad101) for

Complutense University of Madrid: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It wasn't my first one, it wasn't my best one neither, but it was the experience abroad where I lived the most as a local guy. I discovered a culture a way of thinking, a different approach of life. I would be really happy to work there

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The topics I studied in Compluense were very attractive and concrete. I am probably not a serious student, but the all the academics stuff were very interactive and gave me the will to listen and to participate

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I came in Madrid in January, and it's not the good time to move on, because there are few deparures in January, but a lot of arrivals. But there are a lot of students in this city, so it's easy to find a big flt with a lot o foreign students, and flats are not really expensive (I live in Paris, so for me it wasn't expensive at all!)

* Food:

I love spanish food. I just felt uncomfortable to eat the lunch at 3.00 pm and the diner at 10.00 pm ! But the quality of food was pretty good

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met a lot of foreign students (I was living with 2 girls, an english one and a spanis one). Generally your roomates bring you to their friends party,and little by little, you get a lot of friends ! It's a really nice experience, because spanish people have a way of living really special, so you learn a lot

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I haven't been sick during my trip, so I cannot answer to the healt one. But I never had any problem in Madrid concerning the 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)

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Before coming in Madrid, I was in Asia during 6 months, so I didn't speak spanish at all. So my spanish level was really awfull when I arrived there. I think I was more or less fluent when I left the University, which means that I really improve my language skills !

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't drink too much, spanish drinks are really cheap, and spanish guys are really strong ! And spanish people are easy going, so don't hang out only with foreign people, try to break into their habits, it's really nice. To conclude, don't forget to enjoy it, because living abroad is an unique experience. And be successfull in your exams! Don't forget to go to school !

Comments

Thank you very much for your comments Momo Your rap-song using the subjuntive was really amazing!!!!!!!

villanueva January 21, 2010