Study Abroad in Madrid Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The grading system is different from American Universities, but though it is a little tougher it is not difficult to get A's (or the equivalent). Classes were taught in English or Spanish, depending on the class and your own language level. I highly recommend taking any additional culture or language courses offered because they are extraordinarily helpful. The class workload was very reasonable and allowed more than enough free time to let students travel and enjoy the country.

On-site administration of your program

The program staff are extremely helpful. They know what you need to get done and will help you figure out the ins and outs of living in Spain. There are bureaucratic constraints which they must work within, and sometimes that can be frustrating. However the program staff are amazing and very knowledgeable.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Instead of living with a host family I wound up living with a single elderly woman. For me it was not the ideal arrangement, but this was not actually arranged by Francisco de Vitoria staff it was set up by Abroadco travel abroad company. If possible I would recommend living with other students or with an actual Spanish family.

There are so many delicious Spanish dishes to try, but the best thing ever is Jamon! You will wind up eating things you would not have considered eating before (such as bull's tail, unnamed squiggly seafood, preserved fish eggs, etc.) and you will find that the majority of these things are actually quite good. Definitely try the national dishes and have an open mind. Overall the food is simple and well made. It is difficult to be a vegetarian in Madrid, but otherwise you shouldn't have any problems.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program arranged several cultural excursions for the students including guided tours of parks and museums. Universidad Francisco de Vitoria has the absolute BEST tour guide, Mario. Other tour guides pale in comparison. He guided us through the Palacio Real, El Parque del Buen Retiro, La Reina Sofia, El Prado, and Toledo all as an included part of our program. 2 years later I still remember almost everything he taught us because the tours were so well organized, informative, and fun.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No vaccines were specifically needed, and I did not need to test the healthcare. However health insurance was provided by my home university's program if I had needed to use it.

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

Though most people did speak English, knowing at least a little Spanish is necessary. I spoke Spanish every single day with professors, bus drivers, my host family, fellow students, and it was absolutely invaluable every time I got lost and had to ask for directions (which happened a lot). My language skills in Spanish increased faster in the 6 months I spent in Madrid than any time in the 8 years I spent studying Spanish beforehand.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Other

• Cultural excursions
• Working/teaching English to Spanish children
• Taking classes taught in Spanish

• Host family arrangements