Inspired to Love Life More August 31, 2026
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/26/2026 to 05/08/2026 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
I learned that I am ready to enter the working world, and I learned that having more daylight truly is valuable and endorphin-inducing.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It wasn't as rigorous as my courses at Brandeis, but it was informative, and I did learn new information and still felt like I could enjoy my days and be active outside. It was a very pleasant shift. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Office staff were all very kind and took care of me and assisted with any issues I had and gave recommendations on places to explore. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I truly liked my location for housing; the only thing was that it was very difficult to inquire about staying for a little extra time, as I didn't leave Spain immediately when the program was over. |
| * Food: |
I have always loved Spanish food. I loved the little cafe they had open to us at the center. Making an effort to speak Spanish with the staff was helpful for my learning and also a great opportunity to get to know everyone better. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very integrated, I made a very intentional effort to surround myself with others who spoke Spanish and to meet locals living in Madrid and who attend other universities. One of my close friends is from Portugal, now living in Madrid, and I can't wait to visit again soon. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Very accessible and simple. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Madrid. Walking alone occasionally at night in busy areas and in very quiet parts of Madrid, everyone minded their own business. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program itself was great; I wish that I had chosen to study abroad for the year. |
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 depends on the person, groceries for one person typically ranged from 30-50 EUR, the monthly cost of a transit card was 10 EUR, and you get a coffee anywhere from 2.50 - 5 EUR |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30-80 EUR depending on the week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | if you go to the spots where it is mainly locals, not only will you practice Spanish, meet people from across the world & europe, but also save money because they know not to overcharge the locals. Paying 30+ EUR to get into places is not common. |
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 |
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| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate spanish 104 |
| 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? | Practice in daily use, when buying things at any cash register, with staff (teachers & security or cleaning), when running errands like a hair cut, groceries, nails, eating out, at the bar. Going to local spots and listening to all the Spanish music possible so when you go out you can sing with everyone else. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I wish I had spent more time in the common space of my apartment/dorm living experience. I could've gotten much closer to more people from Europe and Latin America who lived in my building. |
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. |
