Go to Madrid! Home of fine dining, fine people and fine nightlife. Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Tufts University) - abroad from 01/19/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Of course it was worthwhile. I got to explore an incredible new city (and country) and really get a hold on the Spanish language.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were very easy, since they had to accommodate students who had never taken Spanish before and students who were fluent.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were so nice!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Perfect.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was a personal effort though. There were people who were not interested and did not get to experience much of Spain.

* 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)

there are 1 euro food nights almost every night of the week!

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* 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? ~15 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find the deals. Cien montaditos has 1 euro wednesday, taco bell has 2 euro tuesday, etc.

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? Intermediate
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? Spanish 35
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? Make local friends!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Madrid
* What could be improved?
  • My classmates
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to go on a sidetrip with European Vibe. Horrible.