A vacation abroad that also included class sometimes Past Review

By (Business, Presbyterian College) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/21/2014 with

UFV Madrid / Universidad Francisco de Vitoria: Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be a better person and to appreciate differences in cultures as opposed to being afraid or skeptical of the nuances

Review Photos

Universidad Francisco de Vitoria: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Universidad Francisco de Vitoria: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Universidad Francisco de Vitoria: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Universidad Francisco de Vitoria: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Universidad Francisco de Vitoria: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes are about 2 years behind the US, i.e. a 4th year business class is a 2nd year at PC

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Lack of school administration presence

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in the city in my own flat

* Food:

School cafeteria was expensive but decent

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The optional intensive course I paid for out of pocket was the source of all my program related integration, it cost 1400$ but definitely worth it

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Had no health issues but im pretty sure healthcare is completely free

* Safety:

Madrid is extremely safe

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Madrid is very expensive, utilities, food, living, clubbing are all high cost

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget, budget, budget

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I almost never spoke english, partly out of personal preference but the school pushes foreign language quite well

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 151
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? DO NOT SPEAK ENGLISH IF POSSIBLE, don't ever be afraid to mess up as the people will generally sit through your broken spanish and get to the meaning

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Freedom
  • Travel opportunities
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • The School
  • Financial backing from host school
  • Knowing someone to go with
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Spanish people do not like being compared to latin americans and the two types of spanish are not the same.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!