119 reviews
4.37 / 5 based on 119 reviews
Useful |
2
Jennifer D
University of Memphis, Memphis, United States
Translation/Interpretation, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I started out living in a residence hall on campus (which is 20 mn. from town). After begging for 2 months to be changed from the residence to an apartment with native Spanish speakes, I know for a fact that I would choose to live in an apartment in the city if I had to do it all over again.
Read more >
Personal comments
It was very difficult to be moved from the residence hall to an apartment. The staff wasn't to enthusiastic about helping me until my university in the states got involved.
Read more >
Useful |
2
Jennifer D
University of Memphis, Memphis, United States
Translation/Interpretation, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
Read more >
Travel: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Activities, Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Everyone knows that Spaniards party like nobody else. You can always find something to do on Friday or Saturday night. The locals all seem to crowd Churruca, which is a street full of bars near the city center. Also, the cultural center usually has some kind of play, concert or exhibit weekly. You should definitely get involved with this part of the Spanish culture. You can pick up a schedule of events at any Caixa Nova bank.
Read more >
Useful |
1
Jennifer D
University of Memphis, Memphis, United States
Translation/Interpretation, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Overall
I wish I had known...
I always knew that Spaniards were layed back. Yet when I arrived, it still suprised me with the "mañana, mañana" attitude. You can't expect for things to happen incredibly fast here. It usually takes awhile and always takes a lot of persistence on your part.
Read more >
In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
The University of Vigo is under a lot of construction. I feel that in 5 years it will be a wonderful place to study. As of right now, I don't think they are fully prepared to handle exchange students. So, if you are looking for a program within the next five years, I would suggest looking into different locations. Also, this area can be frustrating since there is a lot of Gallego spoken. Madrid would have been my first choice.
Read more >
During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
I suggest that you make lots of international friends while you are here!! That way you have free lodging if you are able to travel throughout Europe. Be outgoing and throw yourself into different situations. I am taking a dance class... I may have two left feet and be the worst at the rumba in the class, but it is fun. Don't sit and wait for things to happen to you... Jump in!
Read more >
Useful |
0
Jennifer D
University of Memphis, Memphis, United States
Translation/Interpretation, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Academic
Course recommendations
I don't feel at this moment I can give a fair assesment of the courses here in Vigo. Right now there is a national strike throughout Spain with all of the Universities. Classes haven't been held in around 3 weeks.
Read more >
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
I have not had exams or projects due because of the national strike.
Read more >
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Useful |
0
Jennifer D
University of Memphis, Memphis, United States
Translation/Interpretation, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Languages
Language of instruction: Spanish
Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Spanish
How much did you improve your Spanish?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
At times the opportunities to speak in Spanish at the University of Vigo were scarce. This is because so many of the Erasmus students spoke English also. It is easy to rely on English rather than to put yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Also, the fact that Vigo is in Galcia needs to be addressed. Many people speak Gallego and all of the University materials are printed in it. When choosing your classes, you must be sure to get classes instructed in Spanish.
Read more >
Useful |
1
Jennifer D
University of Memphis, Memphis, United States
Translation/Interpretation, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Government assistance
Other sources of funding:
Family<br>
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work
Personal spending habits
When at home, I don't travel as much. Therefore I don't spend as much. Also in Spain, it is very expensive to have a phone connection in your apartment, hence I had to purchase a cell phone. Overall it is difficult for me to comment on the expenses because of the nature of the ISEP program. I payed a lump sum up front.
Read more >
Travel, Telephone:
was more expensive than at home.
Nightlife, Overall:
was the same price as at home.
Housing, Food:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
In Spain you need pictures of yourself for everything. Wait until you get here to buy them. It seems that every mom and pop store can take your picture for a reasonable price.
Read more >
en 
English
Español
Français