Study Abroad at Complutense University of Madrid Past Review
By susie (Economics., Tufts University) for
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
Yes, I definitely became more confident and independent. I gained new perspectives and was able to reflect on my own culture and priorities.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Complutense |
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Not very well organized |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a safe, beautiful, and central area of the city. The neighborhood was Bilbao and the apartment was in Plaza Olavide, a very pleasant area with lots of bars and shopping. I lived with a host family which was very helpful and welcoming. <br /><br /> |
| * Food: |
My host mom was a great cook. The IES center had a cafe which had sandwiches and snacks. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
There was an English speaking doctor that I went to once and was good. However, I had a friend who was very sick and missed a midterm and they would not allow her to retake it or drop the 0, even when she took all the appropriate steps to inform the program that she was sick. If you tell them you need to skip class because you don't feel well, you have to go to the doctor. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 5 Euros a day. 2 meals were provided by my host family. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The program provided little opportunity to interact with Spaniards. Students had to find their own ways to practice the language outside and talk with native speakers. There was a mandatory grammar class but few opportunities to speak Spanish with native speakers outside of the classroom (through IES). I would recommend getting involved in extracurriculars outside of IES to meet Spaniards at the beginning of the program. My Spanish did improve a lot as a result of my host family and talking to native speakers outside of the program. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Easy programs are appealing but you will get more out of going through Tufts, and the workload still allows you time to travel. However, you will have a great time no matter what program you go on. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
History of Spanish Architecture |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
