Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Getting to experience the wonders of Madrid Past Review

By (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft., Williams College) - abroad from 09/08/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living in Madrid taught me how much I love living in a city and allowed me to reflect on what I want to do going forward toward graduation. I gained a lot of self confidence as I traveled and learned to navigate the city. I also made wonderful friends that I know I will be close with for years to come. Studying abroad in Madrid with IES was definitely a worthwhile experience. I wish I had stayed for a year.

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 interesting but were not especially challenging compared to the level of classes I was accustomed to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? No more than forty dollars a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying sandwich supplies at a grocery store was a great money saver.

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

There was theoretically a strict language requirement within the confines of the center, but it wasn't really followed. It was more up to each individual student to motivate themselves to speak in Spanish. However, all of the classes were taught 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? A 200 level Spanish literature course.
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? I would recommend just diving in a speaking every opportunity you get. Don't just take the easy route of defaulting to English with your friends but instead make an effort to integrate the language into your conversations. Also spending time with locals or getting involved with a language exchange is a great way to get more experience with the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The art history class taught in the Museo del Prado
  • Getting to take classes at the local university
  • The wonderful staff and professors
* What could be improved?
  • Stronger emphasis on immersion
  • Better teaching balance within the classroom (either keep directly to a Spanish style lecture or using the more American system of discussion, not trying to combine the two)
  • Having a few days at the end of the program to pack up, move out and say goodbye rather than having exams right to the end
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had know how much I was going to fall in love with the city so that I could better plan and possibly stay for a year. Also, I chose to stay with a host family, which was wonderful, but I think if I were to do it again I would stay in the University housing to try to meet more Spaniards my own age. However, staying with a host family forced me to really learn to navigate the city, which ended up being a wonderful skill to gain.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'