Abroad in Madrid - Best Semester Ever! Past Review
By Lindsey M (University of Rochester) - abroad from 09/04/2017 to 12/22/2017 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - Engineering, Math & Science
It was an incredibly worthwhile experience to study abroad. I experienced being outside of my comfort zone, adjusting to a different culture, and learning a new language. I learned to see every moment (good, bad, and awkward) as a learning experience. I enjoyed widening my worldview, trying new things, and keeping my mind open to new possibilities.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The engineering classes I took at the local Spanish university were quite difficult, but IES provides tutorials with the professors that are also worth 25% of your class grade. The classes I took through IES, Spanish (Language) and Spanish Art & Architecture, were wonderful classes taught by professors who were passionate about their teaching. The classes were very engaging and hands-on with class field trips and activities. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES Madrid staff was very friendly and supportive. If you ever needed anything, they were always willing to help. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family and absolutely loved my experience with them! They were so welcoming and cooked delicious food. They taught me a lot about Spanish culture and helped me improve my Spanish. |
| * Food: |
Loved the food in Madrid. Lots of good places to eat at decent prices too. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It took a lot of effort to make local Spanish friends and interact with people from the area. IES did have activities with local Spanish students, but they were often during weekends when most people traveled. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I needed to visit a doctor once, and the staff was really helpful in scheduling an appointment for me. |
| * Safety: |
I found Madrid to be an overall very safe city. The only major issue is pick-pocketing, so just make sure to be aware of your surroundings and keep watch of your belongings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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? | 60-70 euros |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Middle School Spanish |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Try to make friends with locals. Participate in the IES intercambio program, which is a group or one-on-one language exchange. Also don't be afraid to make mistakes. I was so nervous about speaking and making mistakes that I often opted for easy, short responses instead of trying to say what I actually wanted to say. Awkward situations may happen, but take every moment as a learning experience. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how fast the time was going to fly by because there are some things I wish I did that I didn't get to do. I wish I explored more of Madrid; even though it's exciting to travel to a lot of places, don't forget to enjoy some time in your host city! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
