Espana, te echos de menos Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload and grading system in Spain is entirely exam-based. My classes only had the final exam as the grade you received. This grading structure is not conducive to an intellectual learning experience but did provide flexibility within my schedule so that I could travel more. The teaching methods are similar to that I have experienced in America, essentially, solely lecture based.

On-site administration of your program

The international education department at the College at Brockport, Suny, is extensive and provides many opportunities. However, it seemed as if they have taken on too much of a work load themselves because it was difficult to receive feedback at times when it was vital to my study abroad experience. Also, if they were more straightforward with the complexity of the application process I would have had a simpler time preparing for my trip and not have felt so over-whelmed as I did within the last few weeks I was in New York.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Vegetarians or vegans may have difficulties or other underlying health factors (lactose intolerant, gluten-free) but mostly everything is readily available.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The friends I made in Spain and from my University (UFV) are ever-lasting. Even having the opportunity to meet international students and other Americans was a memorable cultural experience. Additionally, Spain is one of the best, in my opinion, European countries to study in because you have access to so many other Spanish cities that are full of culture and all other European countries are easily accessible. Living in Madrid, the capital, provided me with the metropolitan city-atmosphere as well as every travel opportunity to go to other, more rural parts of Spain.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The one aspect of Spain that was unsafe was the robbery rates.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Many people did speak English but I also did not stress the importance of practicing the language. Although my Spanish skills increased ten-fold, it was primarily due to the fact that my Professors did not speak English so I was constantly around Spanish in the classroom setting. In the everyday life of Spain, you must know at least beginner to intermediate level Spanish.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

• Cultural Experiences

• Education