Would do it Again. July 07, 2026

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Most of my classes were business courses, and I have to say that they truly gave me the freedom to express myself creatively while still engaging with business concepts. A lot of the material felt like common sense, which I believe reflects the professors’ teaching styles and how accessible they made the content. I did take two courses that challenged me and pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but I do not regret taking them at all. Overall, these courses are definitely manageable and 100% doable.

On-site administration of your program

I absolutely loved everyone at IES Abroad. The staff was always incredibly attentive and supportive, and I cannot wait to see them again someday. I feel so grateful and proud to say that I now have people worth flying back to visit. Some of the individuals in the office truly became like aunts and uncles to me, lol. All of this is to say that the staff is amazing, and you will always feel supported and cared for by them.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was not completely satisfied with my living arrangements. I selected one of the housing options that required an additional payment of $1,500, but I felt that the room was incredibly small for the amount I paid, especially compared to the rooms provided to other students studying abroad. The individuals at the front desk were also not always the most welcoming or helpful, particularly when I needed assistance with an issue in my room. However, I did really appreciate the location of my housing, as it was convenient and one of the best aspects of the experience.

I loved the food in Madrid! Although I cooked often, especially later in the program, I found that students tended to eat out more frequently at the beginning, as everyone was getting to know one another and spending time together.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is pretty easy to feel like a local in Madrid, but you also have to make an effort to put yourself out there. Go explore different places, ask your friends where they are going, and speak with the office staff about what they usually do or recommend. People in Madrid are honestly very kind, and there are so many opportunities to find a community that feels right for you. As a Dominican, I frequently found myself in the Cuatro Caminos neighborhood, which has a strong Dominican community and made me feel especially connected to home.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yes, I visited the doctor once during my time abroad. Although the appointment took up a large part of my day, the process was very accessible. The IES Abroad staff can help you understand what to do, schedule the appointment, and guide you through the entire process. All you really have to do is show up.

As a young woman, I felt very safe in Madrid. My friends and I would often walk around late at night or go out dancing, and we generally felt comfortable. However, there were some cultural differences that took time to adjust to. For example, people in Madrid tend to stand much closer to one another than people do in the United States. At first, this made me feel uncomfortable because, in the U.S., someone standing very close to you can sometimes feel unsafe or suspicious. The main thing to be cautious about is pickpocketing, which is one of the most common crimes in Madrid, and honestly, that is not the worst problem for a city to have! Still, you should be very careful with your belongings, keep them close to you, and always remain aware of your surroundings.

I absolutely loved my experience. I loved the people I met from across the United States, the locals, the food, the environment, and especially the lifestyle. In Madrid, I felt like I was not only a student, but also a person with the time and space to truly enjoy life. I sometimes struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the United States, but finding that balance felt much easier while I was abroad. I hope to carry that mindset and lifestyle with me and apply it more intentionally now that I am back home.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not very easy, but doable. I had to search for alternatives so instead of going out to eat every single day I would cook & if I wanted to take trips I would budget and fly with cheap airlines.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The program encouraged me to use the language pretty frequently. For ex) when I spoke to staff at IES or during the classes I took as well.

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