Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

UFV and Madrid: Spain, I will never forget you. Past Review

By (English, SUNY - Binghamton) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worthwhile. I wouldn't trade this educational and cultural experience for anything.

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 workload was very agreeable considering the fact that you are studying abroad and need a least a little bit of free time to be able to explore the city and the surrounding areas. No one ever complained about too much homework. The grading system was a bit different from the one at home but it isn't difficult to become adjusted to it very quickly.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I got help with just about anything I ever needed or had questions about. The staff was available and friendly. Just make sure you get to the office on time before they close.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Spain (or Madrid to be specific), is home such a wide variety of culinary delicacies that going on a tour to try everything would be impossible. From trying the cultural staples that have a name wherever you are in the world, to discovering new ones, Madrid has a very wonderful and diverse selection of food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Spanish are extremely welcoming, and are always looking forward to invite foreigners and travelers into their culture and into a sense of community. The youth are just as excited about meeting you as you are to meet them!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Madrid is one of the safest cities in the world, in my opinion. I did not feel threatened once as I made my way through the city. I would say that there are always little incidents with robbery, but a prepared tourist makes a tough target.

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? Anywhere from $60-120 a week was normal.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You can save yourself some money if you decide to find your own or shared apartment with other students.

Language

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

My grasp on and application of the Spanish language improved significantly after taking the intensive language course. I felt so much more confident about using my Spanish in Spain once the course was over and I think it was a great experience to enter the country and the program with

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The help I received adjusting.
  • Europe.
  • The students and faculty
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go abroad, widen your experiences, and at the end of it all you wont regret not making this life-changing decision.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Macroeconomics for Starters
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very fun course. I am glad that I took a Macro class abroad and didn't have to feel the pressure from the overly competitive American students back home.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Sistema Fiscal
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Very challenging course but it was extremely interesting to learn about the fiscal policies of Spain.
Credit Transfer Issues: