Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying in Madrid has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. Past Review

By (Galileo Magnet High School) - abroad from 07/01/2018 to 07/14/2018 with

Modern Language Studies Abroad / MLSA: Study in Spain at Universidad Complutense

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I fell in love with Madrid, the food, the madrilenos enjoyment in life. I would go back in a heartbeat. If I could, I would definitely go back for a longer time.

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.

The content of all the courses was rich, detailed and interesting. The way of testing acquisition of material was challenging yet reasonable for the length of the course. Professors were enthusiastic and supportive.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Celestino Ruiz and his support staff were attentive, gracious and helpful. They treated your concerns individually and made sure the program met your needs. Moreover, they made you laugh while dealing with all the details.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Clean, great location, private, enjoyable.

* Food:

* 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

The teachers were fabulous. The visits to the city after hearing a lecture on the culture or Civil War or art brought everything alive. Madrid is as much as teacher as the professors, and MLSA encourages students to go explore, through museum visits, walking tours, and reasonable work load.

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)

I really enjoyed getting to know the city and my new friends while out in the city. I could spend fairly easily at food in bars, but it is tough now in the States because my budget is very tight.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not sure.

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

In the Residence, every used Spanish with us. Only when they wanted to be sure that the information was conveyed did they use English.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? one or two graduate level courses.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Enjoy the group you're with, especially if they want to all speak Spanish, too.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Quality of teachers and content
  • Interactions with fellow students and MLSA staff
  • Madrid
* What could be improved?
  • A program oriented to prepping students to enter the university system.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A month is better than 2 weeks. If you can swing it, stay.

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.