Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

life changing semester Past Review

By (English, University of Rochester) - abroad from 01/11/2015 to 05/08/2015 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel comfortable speaking conversational spanish now. I was able to travel to 5 other countries, travelled by myself, tried a ton of new foods, saw some incredible buildings and museums.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

very helpful, friendly and outgoing.

* 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? 30-40 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? live in a homestay (you get a small breakfast and a big meal during the week), look for online deals to get into clubs for free/discounts, go to museums on days that are free for students.

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? advanced spanish lit courses
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? listen to spanish radio or podcasts, watch spanish tv (i'd recommend the series Gran hotel, it's on netflix, uses castellano)

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

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • living with host family
  • ability to do an internship
  • being in madrid
* What could be improved?
  • it could be made easier to enroll in UCM courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? to buy a spanish sim card for my iphone. not worth it to buy a pay-as-you-go spanish phone.

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!