My Madrid Experience Past Review
By Haylee H (Nutritional Sciences & Spanish, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 01/20/2015 to 06/17/2015 with
Complutense University of Madrid: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Independence. Problem solving skills. I am more personable now. Many amazing friendships! A different view of the world, my home country and a broader perspective of everything.
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. |
My classes at Universidad Complutense de Madrid were a complete joke. Not intense nor useful at all. Unless you are already fluent in the language, you will not be allowed to take any courses in Spanish that would help to complete a Spanish minor or major. I wish I would have known this information before I moved across the world for 6 months and was told I would get Spanish credit for my classes. The professors are not accommodating to you if you are not a fluent spanish-speaking student. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Basically we are not part of any exchange program according to UCM. U.S. students are not Erasmus. I was considered "MAUI" but there was no one to coordinate for us so everything was done on my own. There were a few ladies in the Erasmus office that ended up being able to help us though, or else this academic semester would have been even worse than it already was. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was forced to find my own living arrangements. I found an apartment between the university and the city center. The apartment is in terrible condition and I am paying double what this place is worth. I was running out of time and options so I was forced to sign a lease here with the group Alpha's Fraternity. DON"T SIGN A LEASE WITH THEM! |
| * Food: |
Spanish food is amazing. So much meat and tapas. The sangria is heavenly. Semi-limited if you do not like seafood. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Love the culture. Love the people. I'm convinced the night-life in Madrid is the best in Europe. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Never had medical problems while here in Spain, but I have been told the system is great! |
| * Safety: |
I feel the safest in Madrid out of all the cities I have traveled to in Spain. Theives and pickpockets can be a problem but as long as you're aware of your surroundings and careful with you belongings there is nothing to worry about! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
It depends on if you buy food from the grocery store and cook at home or if you eat out alot. I traveled alot so I was forced to spend more money on food. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Between 75-150 Euros per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use sights like GoEuro and skyscanner when traveling. Use hostelworld.com for hostels. Get larger amounts of money each time from the ATM to avoid paying fees and exchange rates rather than little amounts each time. Just because you pay a lot for housing does not mean it will be nice. I have friends living in awesome apartments and paying half of what I am for a not-so-nice one. Buy foods at local markets because they are cheaper. Don't shop at El Corte Ingles! It is compeletely overpriced and no locals shop there. |
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? | 3000 level |
| 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? | Take part in "tandem" which is an event for language exchange. Try to live with people where your only common language is Spanish. Watch Spanish TV with english subtitles. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | At UCM you cannot take courses in Spanish unless you are already fluent, which basically makes coming to this university to improve your Spanish impossible. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
