Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Ya soy una madrileña: A semester in Madrid Past Review

By (Hope College) - abroad from 01/16/2017 to 05/05/2017 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the city and culture in Madrid, especially through my History of Madrid course, art history in the Prado, and my required language and culture course. I gained independence and confidence with solving unexpected problems. This semester abroad was certainly a worthwhile experience.

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.

* 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

Without hesitation, I would chose to study with IES Abroad in Madrid if I had to pick again. I made friends for a lifetime, and IES helped make many of these experiences possible.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to restaurants or bars where you get a tapa included with your purchase of a drink. It adds up!

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? Advanced
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? Topical seminars taught in Spanish
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? Don't be shy about using the language with locals. If servers or other employees immediately switch to English, be persistent and keep responding in Spanish. Talk with host parents or local students whenever you get the opportunity.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Opportunities to interact with local students
  • Living with a host family
  • Courses that improved my understanding of the city
* What could be improved?
  • The process surrounding registration for local university courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How easy it would be to navigate the city!

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!