Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My typical summer abroad experience Past Review

By (Psychology And Health, Science, Society and Policy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/27/2012 to 07/07/2012 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile, I felt like I actually lived in Spain for the brief period I was there, I soaked up a lot of culture. It was amazing being there for the Eurocup too!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Complutense
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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? More than 200 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It adds up fast, be careful where you spend small amounts of money

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? Advanced
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? 161b Spanish literature
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? Use it when you go out with your friends, even if some of them don't want to do it.

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 trip did a great job of planning activities for us to do all of the time.
* What could be improved?
  • My host family situation was a little bit awkward because it was only with one woman.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is very hard not to spend a lot of money in a lot of country, and get an international phone, don't just use yours.