Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Classes, Lacking Immersion Past Review

By (Hendrix College) - abroad from 07/01/2018 to 10/28/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile! MLSA provided a fantastic combination of educational opportunities and excursions that showed me how much I love travel and the Spanish language.

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.

Courses were challenging, but most professors were engaging and willing to help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Both MLSA and UCM were incredibly helpful throughout the duration of the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The colegio mayor SEPI was wonderful! Comfortable, clean, and conveniently located.

* Food:

Very good for a university cafeteria!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

More cultural immersion experiences would have been nice. For example, conversations or activities with local students (though I know most are out of school for the summer).

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Heidi from MLSA accompanied me to the doctor's office and pharmacy to obtain and fill prescriptions. She was super helpful and recommended a great doctor. Navigating the pharmacy was easy, as well.

* Safety:

I always remained vigilant to avoid pickpockets, but never felt unsafe in Madrid or on any weekend excursions.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

My university has a great relationship with MLSA and the program directors are fantastic. My only issues were with lack of language immersion, but that depends more on the other students than instructors/organizers.

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)

Scholarships and funding from my home university covered tuition and meals at the dorm, so almost all spending was optional.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set aside a small (or large, depending on how much you can spare) amount for study abroad each week. I tried to set aside half of my paycheck to save up.

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

We were frequently encouraged to use the language, but faced no consequences when we relied on English. I wish speaking Spanish had been a bit more mandatory.

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? 400 level - literature analysis
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? When possible, engage in conversation with locals or native speakers (in restaurants, well-populated streets, on campus, etc.).

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Directors - very friendly and helpful
  • Excursions
  • Certain classes (with Emilio, Santiago, and Álvaro)
* What could be improved?
  • Certain classes (Libros de viaje, El Corbacho)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Immersion is optional! It won't just happen - all students have to make a concerted effort to speak in the language in order to improve.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!