Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'll be back! Past Review

By (Art History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/05/2014 to 05/22/2015 with

Boston University: Madrid - Study Abroad at Universidad Autonoma de Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There isn't time enough to be embarrassed or shy. JUST DO IT!

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.

I already spoke spanish so without the language barrier i didn't find the classes to be very difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Gabriella Navarro at the BU office in Madrid is an incredible resource.

* 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

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 cheap as hell

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? Intermediate
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? I had studied in Spain already in high school for 9 months. Those courses were in spanish so my language was quite good.
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? JUST DO IT

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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 faculty and administrators at BU Madrid
* What could be improved?
  • The autonoma is so far away!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing