Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Now a Madrileña Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/13/2016 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to keep an open mind at all times. I was immersed in an entirely different culture and I had to remain open minded and take in their culture as my own. I also learned to not be afraid to make mistakes and take risks. I traveled on the weekends, and even though I was still improving my Spanish I still tried to speak it all the time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were pretty difficult, especially being taught in a different language. They were very interesting, but each of my classes were 1 and half hours long which was pretty long to keep my attention. It became hard to focus after a while.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff were nice and approachable, but sometimes they were unorganized at times.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really loved my host family. They were very welcoming and it was a great atmosphere to live in. Sometimes I felt as though they were too busy to be taking care of a student. The parents worked all the time and would not come home until later at night.

* Food:

The food in Madrid was great. There were a lot of options and I really enjoyed eating out at restaurants a lot.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated in the culture. I made sure to involve myself in the community by going to markets and shops. I also volunteered at a local elementary school helping teach English to children which was a great experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had food poisoning while abroad, and had to go to the hospital. I was able to talk to someone in English and they took care of me right away.

* Safety:

Madrid was a pretty safe city, but I would recommend always walking with someone especially at night.

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

I really loved Madrid, and the focus on language and area studies really helped improve my Spanish. The city was amazing and I enjoyed every minute I spent there.

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)

It was pretty expensive to live in Madrid. I was buying food, I had to buy a transportation pass to take the metro and bus to places as well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150-$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to take a good amount of money out at a time at the ATM because of the charges.

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

We always had to speak Spanish in class, but out in the lounge area we could speak English.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 497
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? Constantly speak Spanish to your host parents, in a restaurant, and even when you're with your friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • My host family was very welcoming
  • The city was incredible
  • My teachers were very nice
* What could be improved?
  • The staff could be more organized
  • The teachers could be more aware that we are not natives of Spain and we do need help
  • In the school, we should be treated equally to the native Spanish speakers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are going to be moments where you are very homesick and classes are hard and everything is overwhelming, but you just have to realize where you are and take advantage of the time you have because time flies!

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!