Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., SUNY - Binghamton) for

Spain Study Abroad Reflections: Comprehensive Reviews of Past Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I have a greater appreciation for other cultures and a greater interest in traveling in general.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Madrid
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.

Enjoyed museum visits with my art class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Would have preferred more attention to students who did not sign up for excursions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

University of Madrid's dorms, single rooms and bathrooms. <br /><br /> I would have preferred air conditioning in the rooms.

* Food:

Quantity was generous, quality was usually good but inconsistant at times.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Trips to museums, World Cup viewing areas, clubs, and bullfights were well organized.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safe in the setting, but I would recommend always being with others.

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I don't know how much I spent per week, but I think I spent about $500 euro total.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you know what your availible balance is in your account.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I improved by conversing with locals.

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Anyone could benefit from this program. I would say to experience as much as you can and not worry about sleep/academics while there. You can always worry about that when you get home.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Spanish Art
Course Department: M2050
Instructor: David Darst
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Enjoyed the museum visits. Teacher was knowledgeable. Lecture style, so not much room for participation.
Credit Transfer Issues: I don't know if I have credit transfer issues yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Spanish Culture and Civilization
Course Department: A2270
Instructor: Orlando Moreno
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Good mix of Spanish history, personal experience, and class discussion on modern day Spain.
Credit Transfer Issues: I don't know if I have credit transfer issues yet.