Exponential growth curve of awesomeness! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had an incredible educational experience. I had the opportunity of immersing myself in a different educational style, one I will describe as more independent and less structured. I mainly took classes in both the Business and Hispanic Study Department of UC3M, in which the only resource was the communication and relationship between the student and the professor. My professors were always there to help when in confusion, but it was different than what I'm normally used to at Brandeis University, where there are many other resources when in need of academic help like BUGS, Teacher Assistants, The Writing Center, the lists goes on. However, this experience helped me to better communicate with professors in general. The intensity and academic rigor, I would say, was more challenging in the Business classes than in the Hispanic Study classes. The Business department was structure the same way as at Brandeis, a program where critical thinking, team work and leadership are crucial to learning growth. However, the Hispanic Study department was less challenging than at Brandeis because I didn't really had the opportunity to put in writing my arguments and analysis about what I learned throughout the whole semester, like I normally do at Brandeis with midterm and final papers. This method in specific normally gives me the time to connect and put in words what I found most interesting and thought provoking about the topics covered in the course. However, the evaluation system used at UC3M was mainly test/exams, which was a different approach when it comes to hispanic studies subjects.

On-site administration of your program

Very friendly and helpful staff. Each and everyone of them helped me get through this experience.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with other people from my program. Loved the independence of living without a host family. The apartment itself and location were the best factor. Anything needed was at walking distance. Also, staff was responsive when we had any issues with the wifi connection or heating system.

Food was the amazing! I lived in the apartments so I mostly cooked for myself and ate outside most of the times.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture, to the point that I made more strong connections and friendships with people from Spain than my program. This was due to the fact that I also had an internship where I met locals on a daily basis. Also, because I took trips every weekend with Spanish travel agencies where I also had the opportunity of meeting people from all around the world, not just locals.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Fortunately, I didn't experience any severe health issues, but I did went to my local pharmacy to get some medicine for the flu.

Madrid it is a very safe city for the most part, however, there's a pick-pocketer issue.

I love the staff and the people of my program, but I was expecting more of it. I feel like there was a lack of diversity in the program, to the point that sometimes I feel like I didn't fit in. However, this opened up the opportunity to break the bubble and meet locals and other international students. Next time, I would probably pick a more diverse/ prestigious program.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was not very easy to live on a student budget because the currency was in euros and I had to prepare/buy 3 meals per day, pay for transportation, personal and travel expenses.

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Program Staff
• Weekly Excursions

• Trips

The Academic or Linguist