Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spanish Adventure Past Review

By (HISTORY., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/25/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid: Madrid - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile, for sure. Classes taken in Spanish are way harder then taking Spanish language classes. Think twice about that.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Patricia was the coordinator for exchange students and was not very helpful at all. And most of the time she was very rude.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a flat with 7 other people who smoked and partied. Make sure you are living with people who have similar habits to you.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Program through the university that we were required to purchase was not properly explained.

* Safety:

Be aware of your surroundings and belongings and pickpockets won't be a problem.

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? 100 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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPN611D
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? Interact with Spanish people and force yourself to use the language

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Campus Food
  • Classes were once a week
* What could be improved?
  • Exchange Coordinator
  • Taking classes in English that could be counted towards an upper division spanish class
  • Better buddy system
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That classes taken in Spanish need a lot more work to be successful and to understand what is going on in class.

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.