An Adventure of a Lifetime! Past Review
By Nicole Palazzo (Villanova University) - abroad from 01/16/2017 to 05/30/2017 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - Engineering, Math & Science
I improved my Spanish language, had the opportunity to learn about Spanish culture first-hand, met many inspirational American and Spanish students, and became a more confident and independent person. It was immensely worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were engaging and very hands-on with field trips and fun activities. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in an apartment with other engineers and a Spanish student was fun; we became really close and learned how to be independent in a city. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Navigating the pharmacies of the city was not too hard, and the program advisors were helpful when people needed extra care. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much as you can before going abroad, but don't be afraid to spend extra on things/experiences that you want to have. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | AP Spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Homesickness is real and it can really get you down at times, but just because it seems like others are adjusting well they are likely also feeling homesick too. Reach out and make friends to help distract from your American home and to help fall in love with your new home. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
