CSULB Exchange: University of Carlos III : Testimonials (Madrid)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by Center for International Education
Direct Exchange Evaluation
How did your classes differ from those you have taken at CSULB?
• (Sp. 2012) Moving image history, film production, film direction, and fiction filmmaking. The classes seem to be less stressful because most of the work is done in class. The professors were very detailed and helpful. There are not many assignments and most of the grade depends on the final exam.
— Spring, 2013 Participant |
How did your classes differ from those you have taken at CSULB?
Considering my Spanish was rather basic, it was very challenging in the beginning to understand all of my teachers. The coursework was very doable, the language barrier was the hard part. Bigger assignments, instead of continuously assigning things like the CSULB system.
— Spring, 2013 Participant |
What was your housing like and how much did it cost you per month? How easy was it to arrange?
• (Sp. 2012) I lived in an apartment rented out only to students through an agency. It was a three bedroom house where I had my own room and utilities were included. $500 a month. Dorming was about $1000 per month and sharing a room off-campus was about $250-$500 per month.
— Spring, 2013 Participant |
What was your housing like and how much did it cost you per month? How easy was it to arrange?
Amazing, 5 minutes from the center. I used Easypiso.com and Idealista.com to look. I recommend the area of Malasana for Madrid (metro stop Noviciado). It was 380 for a small room with a window (you need a window), in a small, 4 bedroom apartment.
— Spring, 2013 Participant |
How much money per week did you spend on food? Transportation? Personal Expenses? Travel?
Food: Around $30 per week Transportation: Around $45 per week Personal Expenses: Around $50 per week Travel: $150+ per week — Spring, 2013 Participant |
How much money per week did you spend on food? Transportation? Personal Expenses? Travel?
I couldn't really estimate this one, but no more than back home. The nightlife deserves all of your savings and traveling can be made quite cheap if done correctly (buses, Ryanair.com)
— Spring, 2013 Participant |
What were your experiences with the language? Did you feel you had enough language preparation?
• (Sp. 2012) Most people in Europe speak English, but it is always better to be more fluent in another country’s language because people are nicer if you speak to them in their language.
— Spring, 2013 Participant |
What were your experiences with the language? Did you feel you had enough language preparation?
I feel we need much more practice actually speaking the language and making mistakes. If there are any Spanish speaking natives doing exchange programs, I feel like a tandem language exchange would be invaluable. But to be honest, the adjustment period in the first 2 months changed my perspectives towards everything, so I really cannot complain. best experience of my life! — Spring, 2013 Participant |