Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I loved Studying abroad in Madrid. I gained so much from just one semester! Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) for

Complutense University of Madrid: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad is the most worthwhile decision I have ever made. This six months has changed my life. My spanish skills have improved and I have gained a love for travel.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found my classes to be both interesting and educational. I thought all of my professors did an excellent job. My only criticism is that several of the departments had very confusing schedules. For example, I took a class that was listed as "Thursday/Friday" but half way through the semester I learned that the class meet every other wednesday as well.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The office designated to help international students was very helpful, but they were only opened on Monday-Thursday and only for about three hours a day. There were several times when I wanted to stop by the office but couldn't because it interfered with my class schedule. When I e-mailed the office, they would often not return my e-mails. They did however always help me every time I came into the office. Things usually took much longer than I expected, but I think that is just a cultural difference.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I used Sal y Ven con Nosotros. They overcharged for rent. After asking other friends who lived in a much more central location I learned that I was being taken advantage of. This company advertises to international students in order to charge a higher price. I would not suggest using them.

* Food:

The Food in Madrid was great. I think it would be very difficult for a vegetarian.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Spanish people are very open and welcoming. They are eager to start conversations and make new friends. They have a very laid back attitude.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I did not have any incidents while I was abroad. I always felt very safe.

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

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

All my classes were taught in Spanish. I learned more Spanish in six months in Spain than i did studying for 7 years in high school and college combined.

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

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will never regret studying abroad. It is the best way to learn. I would suggest Madrid to anyone considering Spain. It is the hub and the cultural capital. If you live in Madrid you can travel everywhere else in Spain very easily, I did! I loved the city atmosphere and I will miss Madrid very much.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Velazquez
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This is a difficult course and the professor talks very fast, but it was by far my favorite. After a month I was able to understand most everything he said. I would suggest this course to anyone interested in going in depth into Spanish art history. I loved it!
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not yet seen my transcript.