The best month of my life 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?
It was the best month of my life. I loved every minute of it. I learned that I want to travel more and that I need to work on my spanish a little more.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the education experience that I had. My professors challenged me to do my best. I learned so much in such a short time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Celestino was phonominal

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed at SEPI, I think that was the name at least, and I loved it. It was perfect for one person for the month. It was clean, the workers were so nice.

* Food:

I enjoyed the food at the facility, but there were times that I wasn’t very interested in what they had to offer. And I was in Spain, so I wanted to go out and try different things so it was fine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I was integrated in the culture very well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I’m not sure what rating to give because I did not have to receive medical care.

* Safety:

There was never a time that I didn’t feel safe in the city or at school.

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

It’s been two months since I got home from my study abroad experience and I think about it literally every day. I would go back in a heart beat.

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 spent about $800 throughout the month. Less than I was really expecting.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don’t drink soft drinks at every meal, shop at stores that aren’t in the touristy locations, split meals with friends, etc

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I am in 400 level college spanish courses

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

  • International Students
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?
  • Traveling
  • Spanish
  • Friendships
* What could be improved?
  • Food options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It’ll be challenging but wow it’s worth it

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!