Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cultural Past Review

By (International Business and Supply Chain Management, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 06/06/2013 with

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the Spanish culture and I learned how to live in a completely different environment. It was worthwhile

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.

Classes were difficult and they are graded on a 10 point scale. 10s are impossible to earn and there are limited services if you need extra help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

When I arrived, orientation was incredibly helpful. Registering for classes was a little bit of a nightmare because there were certain classes I needed that I could not get into, but after several emails the issues were resolved. If I needed help with anything, it was really easy to get in contact with the correct person and everyone was understanding and willing to work with me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I would have enjoyed living with a host family, but there were also perks to having my own apartment. I wish I would have lived a little bit closer to the city center. Electricity is VERY expensive. Our first bills were a huge shock!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick and needed to go to the doctor. I was not sure where to go so I ended up having to figure it out through the internet on my own. My program did not help me, but it wasn't hard to figure out. The only difference between their healthcare system and ours is that if I were a citizen of the EU, it would have been free. Also, you do not need prescriptions for antibiotics, which is really nice!

* Safety:

I always felt safe, but I had several friends who were robbed. Robbery is a huge issue in Spain.

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)

Rent and bills were more expensive than anticipated, but in terms of other living expenses, it is very easy to get by on a student's budget!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be sure to get your abono early. It saves a ton of money on metro expenses! Do not buy drinks at clubs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Having the ability to choose almost everything to make it an experience tailored to my needs
* What could be improved?
  • Help with housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known where to live in Madrid, what to expect in terms of general costs, more about the grading system and the difficulty level of my courses.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.