The Best Decision I Have Ever Made Past Review
By A student (University of Missouri - Columbia) - abroad from 05/18/2016 to 06/30/2016 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid, Summer
Being in a Spanish-speaking country with Spanish immersion classes, I definitely became more fluent in Spanish. However, living abroad also gave me a broader worldview, and also proved to myself that I am strong and brave enough to go live in a new country.
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. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
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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? |
I personally never had to use any healthcare during the program, but one of my close friends on the program did, and she had a good experience. |
| * Safety: |
Madrid is a safe city, and I never felt unsafe during my stay in Spain. However, pickpockets can be a problem, so just make sure to be attentive and watch your belongings at all times. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Studying abroad in Madrid for six weeks was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The time I spent there made this summer the best summer of my life! IES plans out a great program, and everything is accounted for, even down to the small details. They ensure that housing placements and classes are going well, plan out trips and excursions for students, arrange cooking and flamenco classes, are always available to answer any questions, and are a great support system. Because of all the hard work they put into creating and running such a great program, I was able to fully maximize and enjoy my time in Madrid. There are so many quotes and sayings out there about how the best things in life happen outside of your comfort zone. After boarding a plane for an 8-hour flight, trekking my way through an unfamiliar airport, and jumping headfirst into a new culture and lifestyle, I can definitely say that this is true. Although I was nervous about going abroad at first, I had such a wonderful time in Madrid that the city now feels like home to me, and it was difficult to leave on my last day! I lived in an amazing homestay, learned so many new things about Spanish language, culture, and life, and was able to travel around almost all of the beautiful country of Spain with new friends I made on the program. I had such a great time, and look back on my time spent in Madrid with such happiness. In fact, I think about my study abroad experience everyday! What I wouldn’t give to be back in Madrid, enjoying the pace of Spanish life and all of the little details about the beautiful country that I was fortunate enough to live and learn in for six weeks. I have made new friendships, seen new places, and made new memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. |
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? | I recommend withdrawing a sufficient amount of cash from an ATM once a week and then making yourself stick to only using that cash for the week. That way, you can keep track of your spending and avoid any unnecessary extra fees from using cards overseas. |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | upper level college speaking and writing courses |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to just SPEAK! That is truly the only way you are going to learn, so don't be afraid of making mistakes. Your professors, host family, etc. are there to help you learn the language and understand that you are going to make mistakes. Also take advantage of being able to watch Spanish television, read Spanish newspapers, etc. while you are abroad. And even though it's easy to revert back to speaking English when you're hanging out with other students on the program, try to stay speaking Spanish with each other. |
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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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? | Nothing; I went into the program with an open mind and encourage others to do the same! |
