Best Decision I Ever Made Past Review
By Claudia D (Sociology and Spanish, Occidental College) - abroad from 09/07/2014 to 12/13/2014 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
Choosing to study abroad was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did I learn so much about Spain and the Spanish culture and language, I grew as a person as well. I would highly recommend studying abroad, especially with IES and in Madrid.
Review Photos
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 got strep throat while in Madrid and I had a doctor sent to my homestay and diagnose me, which I really appreciated since I didn't have to take the metro to a doctor. Also, I went to the doctor for an issue with my ankle that had broken about 4 months prior, and I was able to have a translator there with me to make my experience easier. |
| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-70 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you're living in a homestay, learn what kinds of foods and snacks you can make on your own because you'll save a lot of money on food if you buy things at the grocery store. Also, ask your señora if you can save your leftovers. |
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 |
| 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? | Try your hardest to speak Spanish with your American friends even if it feels silly. Participate in the intercambios. |
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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| 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? |
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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? | 3 and a half months goes by really fast! Enjoy every second. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA 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. |
