<p>Hey, i'm a senior in high school and looking at American Universities with European campuses. And i encountered SLU Madrid....I was wondering if anyone had any experiences in this school and would like to share their thoughts?</p>
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<p>i was wondering the sammeee</p>
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<p>bump....anyone?</p>
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<p>I'm here now! I don't have time at the moment to go into detail, but here are a few thoughts:</p>
<p>-I chose this university because I could take most of my classes in English. This is a good thing in some respects, as doing classes on top of traveling and such is already turning out to be rather hard. On the other hand, after two months here, I don't feel like my Spanish has improved a whole lot. You need to go out of your way to practice your Spanish, since most people at the school speak English.
-It's a really small school, which is nice if you're only here a semester. You get to know people pretty well, and have pretty small classes. On the other hand, course offerings, while not bad, are not wide enough for me to be able to stay more than a semester.
-There's a comparatively big divide between visiting and permanent students. This makes sense, because permanent students don't want to have to keep making new friends every semester. On the other hand, if you stay a year, you'd basically have to befriend permanent students, or make new friends each semester. The main thing I don't like about this divide, though, is that I was hoping for more diversity, and most visiting students (though by no means all), come from the US. There are still more people from other countries than there are at my home campus, though.
-Living with a host family is great, but be aware that it does mean you have to be considerate of the family, which if you're used to living on your own, can occasionally be irritating. I also wish I had more interaction w/my family, but every host family is different in that respect.</p>
<p>Umm...do you have any specific questions?</p>
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<p>Sweet! Thanks for responding BookAddict!
I have a couple of questions.
-How would you describe the general student body? Is it full of intellects or is it more of the chill out crowd? Could you give me a rough geographical demographic?
-How do you typically spend your free time?
-How is the nightlife?
-Generally, Is the cost of living high? (besides the tuition and boarding)
-Hows the Madrid Metro? Are there any train stations close to the school?
-Is the area considered "safe"?
-How are the professors? Are there approachable & friendly?
-Did you have prior knowledge of Spanish? If not, was it difficult to adjust?
-Are the classes challenging?
Sorry to bombard you with so many questions.
Thanks for Everything!</p>
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<p>How would you describe the general student body? Is it full of intellects or is it more of the chill out crowd? Could you give me a rough geographical demographic?
There's definitely a difference between visiting students and permanent students here, and I'm more familiar with the visiting students. The visiting students are definitely more of the chill out crowd, and many are in Madrid just to party. That's not to say that there are none who take school seriously, or that there aren't any intellects, though. I think the permanent students would lean less towards the chill out side, though, as they don't have to cram everything into a semester, and many are from Europe or Spain already, so it's not all new to them. As to the demographic, most visiting students are from the US, though I meet more people from different countries here than I would at my home university. The permanent students are more diverse; I believe you can find those statistics on the website.</p>
<p>How do you typically spend your free time?
Monday through Thursday, I don't have a lot of free time, as I have class from 10am-6:15pm (albeit with breaks) everyday. I actually would not recommend that; it's A LOT of school. I do teach an ESL class on Tuesdays, though, which is a ton of fun. Friday through Sunday, I don't have school, so of course, I have a lot more free time. I spend this time sightseeing around Madrid, traveling, going to bars and clubs, shopping, etc. In Spain, most people don't hang out in other people's homes, but around the city.</p>
<p>How is the nightlife?
The Spanish do know how to have fun! There's plenty to do every night, if you'd like. I live right in the city center, which is amazing, because there's tons of clubs and bars around here. There's plenty elsewhere in the city as well, though. Spanish nightlife starts rather late. People don't start going out until midnight, and clubs and bars and such don't really get full until 1-2am. </p>
<p>Generally, Is the cost of living high? (besides the tuition and boarding)
I'd say so. The euro to dollar conversion is getting better at the moment, but things can still be rather expensive. It's not as bad as in some places, though. Also, traveling can be quite cheap, if you know where to look for flights and such. </p>
<p>Hows the Madrid Metro? Are there any train stations close to the school?
The Madrid Metro is amazing. I've never lived in a place with a good metro before, though, so my opinion may not be all that informed. But you can get almost anywhere in the city by metro. There are several metro stations close to the school; the nearest is about a 5 minute walk away. The metros are closed from 1:30 to 6am, though, and because the night life starts so late, at night you'll have to either figure out the night buses (I haven't figured out the bus system at all yet) or take a taxi.</p>
<p>Is the area considered "safe"?
I haven't ever felt unsafe, though as a girl, I don't think I'd walk too far alone at night. I know people who have, though. The main thing you have to watch out for is pickpocketing, not crimes against your person.</p>
<p>How are the professors? Are there approachable & friendly?
Professors vary, but I guess they do anywhere. All of mine are pretty approachable and friendly, though.</p>
<p>Did you have prior knowledge of Spanish? If not, was it difficult to adjust?
I took Spanish throughout high school, and then one semester in college. However, my Spanish wasn't all that good when I got here, and it hasn't improved all that much, unfortunately. I think the main "culture shock" I experienced was in regard to the language, as I hate having a language barrier. It's gotten better, though. I know enough Spanish to get around and to have basic conversations. And of course, all my friends speak English, and most of my classes are in English, so that makes things easier. </p>
<p>Are the classes challenging?
My Spanish classes are, but that may just be because Spanish doesn't come easily to me. My history classes are challenging enough. They're about what they would be at my home university. I did have trouble with one history class' midterm, though, because I had absolutely no idea what to expect when studying for it. And I don't think you're interested in my dance classes, though if you are, let me know. Basically, I think the classes are challenging enough, but not too challenging. (This is my only semester here, though, so I have very limited experience with the classes). I'm not doing as well as I usually do, but I think that's mostly because I spend less time studying here.</p>
<p>Let me know if you have more questions, or want me to clarify anything!</p>
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<p>Thanks for the complete response!
Well I a couple more questions
-How is the cafeteria food?
-How is the Spanish attitude towards foreigners/minorities like? (i.e African or Asian)
-Could you talk more about what it's like to live with a host family?
-I am interested in their international relations or business major. So my question would be if you know anything about this program.
-Feel free to add anything about your general experience.
Thanks for Everything!</p>
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<p>How is the cafeteria food?
The cafeteria food is pretty good! There's a buffet for lunch, and also a set menu you can order from. Occasionally, the food isn't quite what you wanted (I've had rather raw hamburgers or overly tough chicken, for example), and the selection can get kind of old. Still, overall, I'd say the cafeteria food is tasty, and definitely a wonderful value (in euro terms, of course) for the money.</p>
<p>How is the Spanish attitude towards foreigners/minorities like? (i.e African or Asian)
The Spanish can be a bit prejudiced. Personally (as an Asian), it hasn't been a problem for me, though I've heard my host senora, for example, make off hand comments about minorities that were pretty stereotypical. And there's definitely not the same sense of "PC" as there is in the states. Minority people who've been here longer than I have have, though, have said that the Spanish don't treat them all that great, and some say the youth are worse while others say that the adults are worse. One Liberian, for example, when he tried to pick up his citizenship papers, had trouble getting someone to help him. But I don't think you'll experience too many problems. </p>
<p>Could you talk more about what it's like to live with a host family?
It varies from family to family. Some people never see their host family, or may even live in a separate apartment next door to them. Others almost feel like a part of their host family. My host senora has 3 younger boys, so she doesn't really have much time for me and my roommates. We had a bit more communication during the summer, when her boys were mostly with her parents and their cousins, but during the school year, she's pretty busy. For me, the main downfalls of living with a host family is that you have to be considerate of their needs, pay attention to their rules, and let them know if you won't be there for dinner. However, it's nice to get a taste of Spanish life and to have a little more interaction with Spanish people, since the university is American.</p>
<p>I am interested in their international relations or business major. So my question would be if you know anything about this program.
I don't, sorry, but I believe it's one of the bigger ones here.</p>
<p>Feel free to add anything about your general experience.
I'm absolutely loving it here! It's great to be able to be in Europe, to live in Madrid, and to be able to travel during the weekends. Even though I'm in an American university, there's still much more diversity than there is back home.</p>
<p>Anyway, I'm sorry for the delay, but I hope this helps! Let me know if you have more questions!</p>
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<p>Thanks for the response BookAddict!
I am Asian too and was initially concerned about racism in Spain. As an avid follower of European Football and sports... The Spanish are definitely struggling with racism in the crowd in their athletic events. For example, the racial taunts in the Vicente Calderon Stadium (Home of Athletico Madrid), racial abuse towards African players such as Samuel Eto'o during La Liga matches, the F1 incident involving monkey taunts from the crowd towards black British driver, Lewis Hamilton and most recently the Olympic picture scandal involving the Spanish Basketball Team stereotyping an Asian by slanting their eyes. I hope this attitude isn't reflective of the general Spanish population but the works of a couple rascals. Thanks for clearing stuff up! I have couple more question.
-Where have you travelled since your arrival? Have you made any trips down to Africa?
-Is traveling like a college student expensive?<br>
-Since it's a Jesuit Instiuition, does religious life play a significant role in student life?
Well that's all the queries that I have in mind. However if you're available and would like to share any thoughts or observations as the year progresses, feel free to post on this thread. I'll definitely be checking this thread out once in a while. Thanks for Everything!</p>
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<p>I was talking to my senora yesterday, and she reminded me that I leave in 5 weeks. I can't believe this semester has flown by so quickly! Anyway, here are the answers to your questions:</p>
<p>Where have you traveled since your arrival? Have you made any trips down to Africa?
I've traveled mostly within Spain so far (Barcelona, Granada/Cordoba, Cazorla, and various day trips). I've also been to Dublin and Paris, and this weekend I'm going to Rome(!). I also have a trip planned to Edinburgh, Scotland, and I want to take one more international trip, though I don't know if it'll work. As for Africa, I'm not planning on going there this semester. I know Morocco is a fairly common place to visit with students here, though (I went there on a separate trip this summer, and while I'd love to go again, money and time don't permit it). There are also more than a few people who visit Egypt. Other than that, I don't think most people go to Africa.</p>
<p>Is traveling like a college student expensive?
You can definitely make it affordable if you do your research. Use airlines like easyjet.com and ryanair.com (or take the bus), and stay in hostels (hostelworld.com is a good resource). Book your airlines well in advance, don't go during festival/holiday weekends, and be flexible about when you go/leave. And if you find a good price, book the trip right away, because the price could go way up in just a couple days! Also, be wary of hidden fees (ryanair has quite a few, while easyjet is more open) and if checking "hold baggage" costs extra, do without. </p>
<p>Here are the lists of the basic costs for my trips, just to give you an idea of what things might cost:</p>
<p>*I took the overnight bus to Barcelona, which cost just over 50 euro, and the hostel was 21 euro/night for each person (8 person room, but we had 8 in our group, and there was an en-suite bath).
*My flight to Dublin was the first I booked (so I didn't quite know what I was doing), and that was 141 euro. Our 8 person hostel room (community bath) was 117/person total for 3 nights, but that also included all the tours we took.
*Our three bus rides to and from Granada and Cordoba cost around 45 euro total, and our pension (3 of us in one room, private bath) cost us each 18 euro/night.<br>
*My flight to Paris cost 130 US dollars (not euro) for the flight. The hotel (two single beds, private bath) cost us each about 43/euro a night.<br>
*My flight to Rome cost 78 euro, and our hostel (I don't know details, as I didn't book) costs us each 22 euro/night.
* My flight to Edinburgh cost 75 euro, but if I'd booked it three days earlier, it would have been 45 euro. We don't have a hostel booked yet.</p>
<p>Of course, there are also meal/in city transportation/souvenir/sightseeing costs that are not included above.</p>
<p>Since it's a Jesuit Instiuition, does religious life play a significant role in student life?
Honestly, not really, at least with the visiting students (once again, I'm not sure about the permanent students, but I suspect it is the same). There are more opportunities here for people to get involved in religious activities if people like, but most students aren't involved in those kinds of things.</p>
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<p>Hey Bookaddict!
I have 1 more question.
How are the classes conducted? Is it more lecture based or discussion based?</p>
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<p>Well, it depends on the class, but you're more likely to have at least some discussion just because the class sizes are so small.</p>
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<p>Oh, wow, I'm really glad I saw this thread as I just got accepted here! I have a few questions, too, if you wouldn't mind :-) Could you please elaborate a little on the divide between permanent and visiting students--how much do they interact? Is there much going on at the school, or is everyone out in the city when they have free time? If you know, are permanent students generally happy there, or does it seem like too many people are there to study abroad & party in Madrid rather than actually learn?</p>
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<p>Well, permanent students mainly hang out with permanent students, and visiting students with visiting students. There are tons of exceptions of course, especially since all students take classes together. But there definitely is a distinction, IMO. As I said before, it comes from the fact that permanent students would have to make new friends every semester (or year) if they were friends with mostly visiting students. Also, visiting students are more apt to party, and are more likely to be from the US (and may or may not know Spanish), while permanent students are more likely to study and get involved on campus, and about a quarter are from Spain and speak mostly Spanish to one another (the other 3/4, of course, are from elsewhere). So there is somewhat of a divide, though I'm making a huge generalization here.</p>
<p>The school has a lot of different activities going on, with various clubs and classes and such. It is a small school, though, and most people go out in the city when they have free time. </p>
<p>I think that permanent students are generally happy here, and as I said before, they're less likely to be here just to party. Visiting students make up about half of the student body, and with them, many are here just to party and travel, but many also want to learn something in addition to partying (you can find people all along the spectrum).</p>
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<p>Thanks for answering my questions! It sounds like a nice school; now I just have to see if I can afford it :-)</p>
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<p>Yeah, that's the big thing, isn't it? Thankfully, at least right now, the euro-dollar conversion isn't all that bad.</p>
<p>At any rate, if you do come, make sure you go on an orientation trip! They're tons of fun, and you get to meet lots of new people right off the bat.</p>
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<p>Thanks BookAddict! After doing much research and reading what people had to say about the school. SLU Madrid has definitely cemented its place as my 1st-2nd choice. Hope you're enjoying your time over there!
Hey woodygirljaye! Congrats! I was wondering if you got a merit based scholarship or any financial aid from the school? Did you apply to any other European universities such as Jacobs University or Franklin College?</p>
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<p>In the letter I got, it said they'd send scholarship info later, and I haven't done my financial aid application yet. I applied to both Jacobs and Franklin! What about you?</p>
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<p>I'm still undecided on Jacobs and Franklin.
I heard Jacobs is really academically tough and streneous. I'm not a party student and all but i really don't want schoolwork to restrict me from traveling around Europe. As for Franklin, i'm probably going to apply. The downside to Franklin is its steep tuition fees and its really small student body.</p>
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<p>Whoa that's really interesting Bookaddict! I'm glad I read this thread.</p>
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