Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

amazing! Past Review

By (Economics, History, Barnard College) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

New York University: Madrid - NYU in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely a worthwhile experience-- I think going abroad is an amazing opportunity that every college student should take advantage of. I improved my spanish skills in a way that's not possible to do in the classroom. I also became familiar with a different culture. I cannot wait to return to Europe and possibly live there in the future.

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.

Professors were great-- students were given the option to take classes in english or in spanish. As a program, however, I felt like NYU could have done more to provide resources to students, such as organized trips or counseling.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Though students were scattered around the city, my apartment was very nice and close to school. NYU has worked with my landlord for over 10 years and did all the work in finding me an apartment within my financial/personal requests.

* Food:

I was not in a homestay, so I cooked my own food. However, spanish food is amazing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved studying in Madrid because barely anyone spoke english-- wherever you went, you had to at least make an effort to speak spanish. Everyone is incredibly friendly and curious to know about American culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt very safe, but theft was an issue, especially in touristy areas. It is very important to keep your belongings close to you and wear a proper bag.

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)

Though the euro inevitably made everything more expensive, the cost of food was much less expensive, especially when you cooked for yourself/went to the grocery store.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-40 euro

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? Fluent
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? Take classes in spanish and stay with a host family.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Abroad administration at NYU
  • Diversity of students from different schools-- most students were from NYU or Duke
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had gone with a few friends from school- I didn't realize that it was about 50% nyu students and 50% duke students.

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.