Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pharmacy Practice Experience in Spain Past Review

By (Concordia University - Wisconsin) - abroad from 06/14/2018 to 06/29/2018 with

CEU San Pablo University: Madrid - Practical Introduction to the World of Pharmacy, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the differences in hospital and community practice between Spain and the United States. I learned a lot about the universal health care system. There was always more Spanish to be learning and a lot of cultural differences to acknowledge and experience. It was all very worthwhile and I would do it all again!

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.

I had such an amazing experience here being able to have a perfect balance of classroom and free time. Every single staff member involved including all of the employees at the dorms were incredible. They welcomed us with open arms and made us feel at home while being so far away from home. There was so much to learn and to experience within the pharmacy practice, research, and cultural excursions. I would go again and again!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Such great dorms, beautiful pool, great food, and a gym I used every day

* Food:

You didn't even have to eat out to experience the wonderful food of Spain.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

There was a lot of understanding as to what level of Spanish our group spoke and many people made great accommodations for us so that we would feel comfortable in different settings. It was a wonderful balance of learning and free time with wonderful staff who made you feel right at home!

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? 100.00 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating in the dorm hall saves you a lot of money so that you can use your money for more experiences and shopping.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? College Spanish
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? I think if you met with people prior to the trip who spoke Spanish it would help just to get your brain the the mode of being able to listen and respond.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Tours of pharmacy sites
  • Talking with pharmacy students
  • Welcoming staff
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-trip language prep
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would of been more prepared to speak Spanish. I know that sounds silly, but I would of spent more time practicing the Spanish skills I had so I could better communicate with the local people.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.