Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Professional Experience in Spain - Nothing Short of Amazing! Past Review

By (University of Connecticut) - abroad from 01/10/2018 to 06/10/2018 with

CEU San Pablo University: Madrid - Business & Internships Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There is much to be gained from such a holistically developmental experience. Not only did I leave the program with a more developed language proficiency in my pocket, but I also was able to be extremely immersed in a culture unlike any other! Not only is Madrid famously known for being a gastronomic paradise, but I also made a lot of important connections with local people and people from abroad.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was absolutely helpful! Always went out of their way to make sure the student is comfortable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was a massive upgrade from what I was used to at my home university.

* Food:

Breakfast is not a common meal - the largest breakfast is probably on Mondays with scrambled eggs.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There shouldn't be any reason not to speak Spanish! Plenty of friends to be made inside of school/work and outside.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Absolutely safe residence hall with 24/7 on-site security, housed in the university district of the city. Never a moment where I felt unsafe. Beware of pickpockets.

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)

Relatively one of the more expensive cities within Europe. There are several deals available for students or people under the age of 26 for food, culture, transportation, and events.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you decide on traveling, make sure you plan accordingly. Look into discount programs for students and travelers that may apply to several other locations.

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

It was a full immersion in the Spanish language. With classes, an Internship, and a Residence Community - all with primarily Spanish speakers, that also speak English.

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? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Community
  • Language
  • Structure of Program
* What could be improved?
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much of an investment the program was. The more money saved ahead of time, is only going to benefit you in the long run.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.