Not quite what was expected, but overall still a great experience. Past Review

By (Political Science, Economics, Trinity University) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A greater appreciation of Spanish culture and how it is different/similar to the culture in the US. The experience was worthwhile.

Personal Information

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.

The fact that all classes in Spanish was challenging, but all classes were graded very lightly. Workload was about the same as one would expect at a typical US university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at the IES center in Madrid were exceptionally friendly and organized. However, IES headquarters in Chicago is extremely bureaucratic and unwilling to be flexible. I did not personally experience any of these problems, but several other participants in the program did.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a homestay in a very wealthy area of Madrid, with convenient access to two major Metro stops. Unfortunately, it was about a 40 minute commute on the Metro to the IES center. I lived with a roommate (which was good), and a Spanish señora, her two sons, and her daughter. The señora had just opened a bakery, so it was frequent that 2-3 weeks would pass without me even seeing her. I did enjoy the fact that my roommate and I lived in a separate apartment from the family, although that took away from the whole integration experience.

* Food:

In general, I'm not a big fan of Spanish food. Too many fried foods, and their eating hours are not really suitable for me.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It would have been more had I lived in the same apartment as the family and had the language agreement been enforced.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Madrid is one of the safest cities in the world.

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)

Europe can be expensive if you don't look for cheap things.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the grocery store instead of eating at restaurants all the time.

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

The language agreement everyone signed at the beginning of the program was not enforced. All classes were in Spanish.

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? Advanced Grammar
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? Talk as much as possible with the locals and encourage your program participants to speak in the language.

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?
  • Location
  • The other participants
  • Academic structure
* What could be improved?
  • Enforce the language agreement
  • Go on excursions out of the country
  • Reduce amount of busywork assigned
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Your language skills might not improve by as much as you would expect

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!