A life-changing semester in Spain! Past Review
By Sarah H (Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Villanova University) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 05/15/2015 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
I am definitely more fluent in Spanish after my semester there, and I have a much better understanding of Spanish history and how they interact with the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes weren't as challenging as my normal science lab classes, but they allowed me to truly experience the history and culture of my host country... I loved them! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff at IES Madrid are wonderful! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I definitely recommend a host family! |
| * 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? |
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| * Safety: |
Be careful with pick-pockets, but I never felt unsafe by myself! |
| 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) |
It really depends on how much you want to explore and travel! |
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 |
All classes are in Spanish and Spanish-only in the office with staff! |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Latin American Poetry |
| 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? | Try to use the language whenever possible - immersion is key! |
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? | Going to a place where you aren't fluent in the language is definitely overwhelming - especially for the first couple weeks - but your understanding and comfort improve drastically once you are immersed... it's really amazing! |
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. |
