Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience of my life Past Review

By (Managerial Economics, Bentley University) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 12/19/2012 with

Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile! I got to learn every little thing about a new city, met tons of new people, and traveled so much. I learned not just about the Spanish culture but about all the cities I traveled to. It is incredible how you can learn so much more outside the classroom just from living in a new city.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics at ICADE are really good. I learnt a lot in my International Business (Negocios Internacionales) class in Spanish. It was really interactive and we had a lot of real life cases to discuss. I think rigor (in spanish classes: Teoria Economica) is really strict which I did not expect. As for resources, I would improve printing resources in school since compared to Bentley the convenience level is much lower.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was a little disorganized. The first week I had trouble finding what classes I could take and fitting them into a schedule (since I had very few options and some were at the same time). However, the people working for the program were very helpful despite their amount of work at the time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had set up my living arrangements even before I was accepted to the program. I am lucky one of my best friends lives there in her family's apartment (by herself) and I had the opportunity to live with her for the semester. Its location was great and I would not have done it another way.

* Food:

I loved the food in Spain.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated with the local culture since I am a native Spanish speaker. However, my roommate has lived in Spain for a while which helped me integrate with her friends much more. The people that I went to Spain with did not have that opportunity, and they mostly spent their time with other exchange students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health care problems while in Spain.

* Safety:

I did not have any safety-related incidents.

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)

It was kind of hard because while you are abroad you want to get as much done as possible. I had to cut back a little on some expenses (eating out/shopping) so I could save up for traveling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250

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

Completely, outside the English classes, we had to speak in Spanish all the time to everyone, including the people working for the program.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? NAtive speaker
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? Have conversations with people you don't know! (cashiers, waiters) That way you won't be shy and practice your skills.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The city
  • New people
  • Spanish language
* What could be improved?
  • Technology in school
  • Class (credit transfer) organization
  • More class options and variety
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was hesitant about going and I honestly don't regret anything, I just wish I knew how much I was going to love it. I also wish I would know my schedule BEFORE getting to Spain because the process to get it was a little bumpy.

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!