Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A New Place to Call Home Past Review

By (Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration., University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 05/16/2013 with

USAC Spain: Madrid - Spanish Language, Art, and Spanish & European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent, learn to not be afaid of new experiences, learn to cook, made new friends from around the world, enjoyed travelling on a frequent basis.

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

The staff in USAC Madrid are the best people I am lucky to have met. They helped us at every corner and were there to celebrate every joy we experienced.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was a bit farther than I expected from the center, but the amazing transportation system in Madrid made this no problem.

* Food:

There were a lot of foods I enjoyed experiencing in Madrid.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The longer I stayed in Spain, the more and more Madrid felt like home. It is unfortunate I did not get to meet as many Spaniards.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not personally use the healthcare system, but I experienced my friend remove her cast and being in Spain did not give us any difficulty. Everyone was incredibly friendly.

* Safety:

Even in the late hours, I felt safe walking out in the dark.

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)

A lot of things in Europe are slightly more expensive. Grocery shopping can save you a lot of money rather than eating out.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When you travel stay in hostels, and in Europe January and February are huge months of sale! Take advantage of them.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
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? end of 2nd level
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? Study on a daily basis, and try to talk to strangers in Spanish every day if possible!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Staff
  • Madrid, the City
  • The Spanish Class
* What could be improved?
  • More Fieldtrips
  • More Class Options
  • I would take less units
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To use my Spanish even more when I was abroad. And I didn't necessarily HAVE to take 21 units.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Spanish 101-112
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Sara Eguiluz
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: It was challenging but I learned an immense amount. Our fieldtrips proved to us how we could use what we learned in the classroom in every day life. I participated much more because we only had 6 students in the class, and each students participation was of great importance.
Credit Transfer Issues: