Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Soaking up Madird Past Review

By (Hispanic Studies and Anthropology, The Catholic University of America) - abroad from 09/07/2015 to 12/12/2015 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained language skills, an understanding of local culture, a broader understanding of the world, travel experience, friends, and many learning experiences from my time abroad. I think that it was one of the most worthwhile things that I have ever done.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

For the amount of time that I spent there, I felt as integrated as I could have been.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to get a flu shot while abroad, and the program set up an appointment for me. It was very easy and convenient for me.

* Safety:

For being in a city, I felt very safe because IES prepared me for possible situations that could occur.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I felt that I had enough freedom to go out and experience things that I wanted to experience on my own, but, at the same time, I had many excellently coordinated trips and learning experiences that IES Abroad provided.

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)

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • the trips offered
  • my home stay
  • the IES Abroad staff
* What could be improved?
  • the process of taking a course at UCM
  • NA
  • NA
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know that I can both handle and make the most of situations that are less than ideal especially when I have friends by my side. (i.e. missing a flight is not the end of the world)

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!