One of the best experiences of my life! Past Review
By Chuck R (Biology, General., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/16/2012 to 05/11/2012 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
It was definitely worthwhile and don't get me wrong I loved the program and the people. If I had to do it again though I would have looked for a program with more of a foreign component that was less Americanized.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Complutense |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes, while not very challenging, offered a great opportunity to learn about the culture of our host country. Classes were diverse and among the most interesting I've had in college. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Welcoming is the first word that comes to mind. I don't think I ever heard anybody complain about the staff! |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did a homestay with an old lady named Chón. She was probably the ideal home mom because she would cook and clean all day and talk to my friend and I a fair amount. She was also really chill with us coming back late/early in the morning and would let us sleep unperturbed till the mid-afternoon. One of the sweetest ladies I'll ever meet and she has quite a few interesting stories of her own. Other people didn't luck out so much. Doing a homestay is luck of the draw more or less. Sometimes it works great, other times your mom yells at you everytime you take a shower. I was lucky! |
| * Food: |
Spain really isn't known for it's food, and shouldn't be. That being said there are a few very tasty and interesting local dishes. If you're willing to venture out you'll have even more selection of goodies to eat. Over the course of a few months the fare becomes redundant and you may never want to eat ham again... no matter how good it really is. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
If you want cultural integration, don't do this program. Do an actual study abroad, not an affiliate. Most of the people you meet on these trips are Americans and you have to make an effort to get outside that box. That being said, I had a Spanish girlfriend and a few friends besides, but I was the exception. I spoke English to most of my friends. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I can't speak from personal experience. |
| * Safety: |
I'd say it's safer than being in America, as long as you don't do anything stupid. Traveling is a different story of course, but as far as Madrid is concerned, I never doubted my well being. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Pregame/botellón. You'll get the idea pretty quickly. Basically 3 nights a week you end up drinking cheap Kalimocho in a park or plaza. Sometimes it's more fun than actually going to the clubs! |
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 |
Hablé español todo del tiempo en mi escuela. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Date a spaniard! |
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? | How many Americans I would be spending time with. |
