Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)

how many students there are in Complutense!About 100,000. you can be a bit annonymous

it's one of the best universities in spain and there is a wide variety of courses

The problems with the Sapnish administrative and educational systems.

The UCM is a huge University with a unique international but still very Madrilenan feeling. Culturally speaking it gieves you a wide range of opportunities to understand other people.

I wish that I wouldn't have been so intimidated with speaking another language. You need to just jump in a go for it - you will never learn unless you are willing to make mistakes.

I would definately encourage anyone to go - you learn more about yourself during the experience than you ever will from a text book back home.

I enjoyed very much the courses that I took at the Complutense. I had an abundance to choose from, which made it easier from the beginning. My highest recommendation would be to take up an Art History class or two. Spain had so many amazing artists from the 17th century and upward. Paintings from Goya, Picasso, Velazquez, Dali, Miro, and El Greco can be seen in various cities throughout Spain. I found it spectacular to read and study up on all of these artist and then actual see there works in person while I traveled throughout the country!! You can't do that in the US. So take advantage of that opportunity!

I would highly encouraged more exchange between Spanish and foriegn students. They do offer a lot of programs, however I believe they should make it mandatory for each student to take one class that consists of only Spaniards. This could be an elective of some sort. Regardless of somebody's level, it would be the quickest and most effective way to integrate a foreign student into the life and mainstream culture of the Spanish students. This would be an excellent peak into their lives and academics. It is also a great way to make friends and practice your listening skills in a different language.