One in a lifetime opportunity. July 20, 2026
By edwinm1 (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/14/2026 to 05/09/2026 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
I learned that not everyone has the same opportunities as me, so having the chance to study abroad really showed me a new side of the world and made me realize I can change my family's lives in many ways.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This program was an amazing opportunity and allowed me to see parts of the world that I never thought I would see before. The professors, classmates, locals that I was blessed to me is an experience that I will always be grateful for. |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program was very well structured, classes were easy to keep up with, the students were nice to talk to, and the professors were very respectful. |
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 was very diffcult for me to be able to budget due to the lack of support that I had from Brandeis financially but with my familys help and support I was able to find a way. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 5,000+ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | To make sure you have 4- 5,000 dollars saved before coming and that you are prepared for any situations that may arise. |
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 |
I am a native Spanish speaker so it was easy to navigate and speak to the locals in Spain. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | I took a college spanish class. |
| 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? | Duolingo. |
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? | How to budget my money better. |
