Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)

choose them as soon as possible

participate as much as possible.Talk a lot to the teachers and to the other students

Well, my program of exchange was designed for American students. So all of my classes only had Americans in them, which made it difficult to interact with natives. Plus, I had a difficult time adjusting to how the courses are taught in Spain. You really don´t do anything the whole semester till finals and midterms come and you are forced to cram. Plus, they are all lectures so it´s difficult to interact and particpate in class. It made me appreciate how American University is taught.

I think it´s difficult when your dealing with how another culture teaches. I prefer it more like American University, where I believe you learn more because you are not forced to cram at the end of the semester and work and exams are spread out equally through out the semester.

Take a lot of notes, and study a little every night, or else you get behind fast.

More choice of classes.

improvement of listening skills at the university, spoken language practised "on the streets"

Unless you can work it out to stay the entire academic year, it's nearly impossible to take classes with the Spanish students in the Complutense. I was happy with my courses in the Reunidas (a group of many American Universities within the Complutense) but it would have been nice to have an even more authentic experience.

More tests and quizzes throughout. Spaniards take one midterm and one final- that determines your whole grade! It's great for a while, but come finals you feel the pressure.

Practice your Spanish every chance you get and stop talking with the Americans.

none