Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experiencing Madrid Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 01/10/2016 to 05/24/2016 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really learned a lot about the Spanish culture and the city of Madrid. By the end of the trip, Madrid felt like home, a city I had grown to love. I also gained confidence in my Spanish speaking abilities.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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

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
How many hours per day did you 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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Language immersion
  • Side trips included
  • On site coordinators
* What could be improved?
  • Support for students taking classes at the local university
  • Ways to get to know Spanish students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take advantage of the opportunities that the IES program offers to you to get more immersed in the Spanish community, you will definitely have time to still enjoy Madrid on your own and learn about the Spanish people in a new way