Experiencing the world one city at a time Past Review

By (Kinesiology and Exercise Science., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/09/2013 to 12/15/2012 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about other cultures, practices and customs. I gained knowledge about the world around me, myself, and a new language. The experience abroad was amazing and I would go back in a heart beat.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful and accommodating

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Enjoyed my apartment and my roommates, our RA or companero wasn't as helpful as I would've liked

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The IES staff was very attentive to medical issues, helped set up appointments, checked in, and the facilities were very accommodating and knowledgeable in English

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? plan trips in advance or look for cheap options for travel and living. Try not to eat out so often

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Upper division spanish, intro to Spanish Civilization
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 friends with locals and practice with them

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Staff
  • The planned trips
  • their advice
* What could be improved?
  • More classes
  • Better intro of city and day to day activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? When going to spain it is essential to buy a transportation pass because you will use the metro multiple times a day

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.