Santiago de Compostela: The Best 10 Months of My Life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic system in Spain is very different from the American one that I was used to. In general, most classes require no other work than a final exam. There are no other tests, papers, or projects throughout the semester, and a student's grade in the class is entirely dependent on their performance on the final exam. As for the format of classes, most classes are based in a lecture format, with very little room or encouragement for discussion. This all was a little daunting at the beginning, but I got used to it and didn't find it to hinder my academic experience in any way.

On-site administration of your program

The administration on a whole was helpful. They had all the answers and were helpful when asked. However, there was not a lot of help simply offered. Students are expected to figure things out on their own and there is no overall administer who makes sure everything is in order. Each student is assigned an academic advisor upon arrival, but it is their responsibility to get into contact with that advisor and make sure all paperwork is taken care of.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an on campus dorm first semester and then moved into an apartment for the second semester. I applied to live in the dorm through my International Affairs Office before I left, and found my apartment, just through advertisements, once I was already in Spain.

I was responsible for all of my own food (both in the dorm and in the apartment), so I had no problems with food. I just missed bagels, which are not sold in Spain.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I traveled all over while, both in Spain and out of Spain: Morocco, Belgium, London, Budapest, Valencia, Seville, The Canary Islands, Portugal, and others. All of these travels were arranged for personally; my program was not involved at all. In addition to all of this, I just enjoyed participating in the local cultural events in Santiago.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My city (Santiago de Compostela) is extremely safe. I never felt uncomfortable or afraid walking through the city alone. I never felt that my safety was threatened. I thankfully did not have any healthcare issues while abroad, but a few of my friends did and they found no problems working with the local system. There are no special vaccines needed for this program.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I could practice the language with everyone I encountered, even with international students. Even though we were from all different countries and spoke all different languages, Spanish became our common language (even though most people did speak some English). I used Spanish everyday in all of my interactions: with professors, with storekeepers, with bank tellers, with whomever. I only ever spoke in Spanish.

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• Apartment
• Dorm

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• International Students
• Local Students

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• Local Students

• The people
• The language

• The help offered upon arrival