Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Most Life Changing Experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/10/2018 to 05/05/2018 with

Boston University: Madrid - Madrid Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my language skills, I met life long friends, and I learned to appreciate the little moments. Being abroad really opens your eyes to so many different things you didn't know existed. I think this experience was definitely worth while because being abroad shows you just a little bit of what the world has to offer, and I think that is extremely important in pushing us to become global citizens.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family and the area I was in made it very easy to access all the neighborhoods in the city.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the hospital for an x-ray. The process was very easy and the people at the hospital were very helpful. Best emergency room experience ever!

* Safety:

I felt very safe during my entire time in Madrid.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I fell in love with Madrid, I think the city has so much to offer and is a great place for someone trying to challenge themselves and improve their Spanish language skills. The classes I took were interesting and the program directors were helpful and kind. The internship opportunity really opened my eyes to the many cultural differences between Spain and the US.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I tried to spend less than 100 euros which was hard especially when traveling.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Triple check every time you book a flight or bus, make sure you have the right time!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Spend time talking with your host family, speak up during class, and take advantage of programs offered that allow you to connect with locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The location
  • The people
  • The language
* What could be improved?
  • More excursions with classes
  • More opportunities to meet locals
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to pack light because you will do a lot of shopping, I wish I knew that you will have FOMO (fear of missing out) but just learn to appreciate what you have in that moment, and as much as I loved traveling to other countries I wish I knew to travel less and explore my home country more.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.