Genevieve's Exchange to CEU San Pablo | Spain
The key factors in choosing my Exchange University were . . .
- To learn another language while living in the country of that language
- Being able to travel whilst still studying
- To live in another country
- To study in another country
A little about my Exchange University, the classes and they teaching system . . .
During my semester abroad I took the following classes:
- Politica Economica (Economic Policy I)
- Gestion Operativa de la Empresa (Operational Management of the Company)
- Logistia Comercial (Commercial Logistics)
- Espanol Lengua Extranjera (Spanish Foreign Language A 1.2)
At CEU San Pablo Class sizes were small, 20 - 25 people. One as small as 5 people. I had three classes in English and 1 Spanish class, that was mostly
in Spanish. All morning classes, except for my Spanish class which was in the
afternoons 5-7pm
The teaching system was basically, the same, except there were no
‘lectures’ per se. There were no online videos to watch. There was no necessity
to purchase any required books. Power Points were made available and you had
access to all the other students’ emails that were in your class. In terms of contact hours I had
A little about the city I lived in, Madrid . . .
The public transport was off the hook amazing. You could apply for a
monthly pass which was to be recharged every 30~ days. The metro is 100 years
old. You can get to any part of the city very easily. Every 3-4 mins during the
week and every 6-7 mins weekends. They run from 630am-130am every day. I had to
purchase a full pass as I was too old for a discounted one: the discounted
metro card is from 26 and under, which I quite like because it gives young
adults an advantage to succeed.
Each ride was 2.20 Euros which was such a good
idea. So instead of having to tag on and off again, you tag on once. Also, it
has the added benefit of not making people who live further out of the city be
at a disadvantage. Costing everyone the same. Also, there were buskers which
added a nice touch to the commute.
There were so many places to eat. The places that were my favourite
were: Takos al pastor, Bocadillos Oink (Spanish ham & cheese toasted
rolls), Ramen Kagura, Sanissimo (Vegan), La Bola (traditional Madrillian), Los
Artesanos 1902 Chocolate, Esparteros (local restaurant: great tortilla y pan),
Casa Patas (tapas and flamenco dancing).
The locals were happy to mind their own business, not much
phases the Spanish.
The best parts of my Exchange experience . . .
Meeting new people, being able to stay in
Madrid for an extended amount of time. To experience the CEU university system.
Living in shared accommodation with 7 other people from all over the world.
Some of the struggles of studying abroad . . .
CEU wasn’t really interested in me or how I
was doing. I was scolded because I didn’t turn up to the orientation which I wasn’t
aware of and was told by the international office it was ok. Then was told I
was sent an email with the details, I wasn’t. I went into the office of the
lecturer that was looking after me on one of the first days. She told me she
was too busy to see me the CEU students were leaving and needed her help. She
never followed up.
The first 2 weeks you were not enrolled in any
classes and were told to take any class you like to see which ones you want to
enroll in. The third week you enrolled in the classes. So for the first 2 weeks
you had no access to any of the materials for the unit so were immediately
behind 2 weeks.
I got a little bit homesick. My challenge
was more about being in my 40’s and on student exchange, especially in Spain
where I guess there isn’t the culture of mature-aged students. Everyone at the
university was in their early 20’s. That was the most difficult. So, I didn’t
make any friends that were my age. I still made friends, but they were all 20
some years younger than me.
I guess I experienced a little culture shock - It was a bit of an adjustment to
work out the shopping situation not having my creature comforts that are easily
accessed. To deal with these issues I did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions
to the people I knew and were friends with on what they did and how they coped.
Finding accommodation and living in Madrid . . .
I found my accommodation from one
of the websites CEU recommended. I had a lot of problems with my accommodation
situation. I found a place that fit my criteria. I wanted wooden floorboards, a
balcony, shared accommodation with a bunch of people fairly close to the
university but not in the city and close to a train line.
The first place I
found had an age limit set with a max of 36. I contacted the. University who
then contacted the site, they said I would be treated like any other student
and would help me find a studio apartment if I wanted. Which I said no because
I wanted to live with people. I found a place however, it wasn’t available the
time I needed it so found a hotel for the first 12 days. They immediately took
my payment for the whole amount of time (which I found odd). I booked the
shared accommodation. A day later I received an email stating I was too old and
I would be refunded my money minus my booking fees. I emailed them and said I
understood but I was pre-approved by my university and the company to select
that room. They said that was not the case. I then responded that was
discrimination, they never responded. So, I then spent my first weeks trying to
find appropriate accommodation. I found something within my price range with
all the criteria I wanted on another website.
Travelling while on Exchange? Tell us more!
I went and visited my friends in London 2
times while there, I also made it to Sergovia and Toledo in Spain. After my
semester I spent 3 weeks in Morocco, mind blowing.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering Studying Abroad?
Do it, you won’t regret it. It was hard and
not all pleasant but will totally be worth the hardships and hassles.
- Genevieve studied abroad at CEU San Pablo in Spain.
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