Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I'll never regret studying abroad Past Review

By (Freed-Hardeman University) - abroad from 07/02/2018 to 07/27/2018 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 felt overwhelmed during my experience. I knew that I was learning a lot but was unsure how helpful the experience would be. However, upon returning to America, I found that my comprehension had grown exponentially, and that I was able to use all of the verb tenses with much less hesitation (something that I struggled with very much before my trip).

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

I felt generally very safe in Madrid, directions were easily obtained by either civilians or local law enforcement.

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

The program forced me out of my comfort zone. This is the best way to learn.

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 only spent money if I wanted.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? approximately $80 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? only buy a few souvenirs for family members. do not obligate yourself to bringing back items for everyone

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

I had no option but to communicate in Spanish in the classroom

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? elementary spanish 2 (freshman level course)
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 in public, ask to be spoken to in the language that you are learning. Explain that you are learning. Most people are happy to help you learn. Otherwise everyone will attempt to speak to you in English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • travelling
  • classes
  • ¡Animo!
* What could be improved?
  • more guided exposure to the city
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Airdropping crap selfies to randos on the metro is the funniest thing I've ever done.

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!