Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun time learning about Spanish culture Past Review

By (University of California - San Diego / UCSD) - abroad from 06/24/2017 to 07/30/2017 with

UC San Diego Global Seminars: Madrid - Spain in the Modern World

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained better understanding of the general attitudes and beliefs in Spanish culture. I learned about some fun things like cooking and dancing. I also learned important aspects of creating and maintaining a democracy. It was all worthwhile.

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?

I loved the cooking class we took; it taught me about the culture in a way that I can use in my every day life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a cold while abroad and was able to get medicine at a local pharmacy with the help of the program administration.

* Safety:

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Sharing groceries with roommates so you all can make meals together can help cut down costs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cooking class
  • Flamenco show
  • Day trip to Toledo
* What could be improved?
  • Cleaner housing
  • Lessen Workload/schedule so it isn't so crammed
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The schedule will be packed, so you need to prioritize what you want to see and do around the city. It may be best to stay in the city on most weekends to sightsee and get to know the culture better.