Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Getting to know Spain and Puerto Rico together July 25, 2026

By (Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/15/2026 to 07/24/2026 with

University of Minnesota: Study & Intern in Toledo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I think it really forces you to step outside of your comfort zone and be bold. Traveling spontaneously and trying new things frequently really heightens your character and teaches you so much.

Review Photos

University of Minnesota: Study & Intern in Toledo 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 rigorous, especially the literature course I took with Professor Fuentes. They require a strong understanding of historical and cultural context when reading texts, not simply cooking up your own personal interpretation. Essays were graded critically but fairly

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Friendly and accommodating, very little to complain about. Javi is an excellent person to be running the program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Cleaned very regularly and friendly staff. Virtually impossible to sleep during the summer due to high heat (even at night) and complete lack of central cooling outside of the classrooms

* Food:

Vegetables and fresh food always offered, generally good variety and dietary restrictions mostly respected

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I have quite a bit of experience with the Spanish language which made integration much easier, Toledo and Madrid are quite touristy so at times they don’t take well to foreigners speaking their language (and try to speak back in English)- other than that super charming and kind people overall!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program showed me incredible people that I will not forget, classes that broadened my perspective on the language, and incredible art and history that can’t be done justice with pictures

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? Roughly $100/150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Absolutely do not fly unless necessary, trains buses and public transit over “bolt” (uber) will save you tons. Frequently look for shops to ensure what you’re buying isn’t sold somewhere else outside of a tourist hub for less

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? University level literature and cultural studies
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? This program partners with Puerto Rican universities, connect with the the students and make friends! PR is a phenomenal place with incredibly kind and welcoming people

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Meeting people from Puerto Rico
  • Hard but fair work load of courses (improving Spanish writing skills)
  • Local art form: Desmaquinado
* What could be improved?
  • Eating schedule (breakfast too early dinner too late)
  • (Lack of) Air conditioning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • Bus system is very inaccurate on Google Maps and made transport difficult and frustrating at times
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is absolutely possible to make the most out of a program in the summer even if it’s only 6 weeks. I worried I would lack time to try things and travel compared to a semester program but truly I got to experience so much and it felt like a lifetime was spent there.

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!