The Experience of a Lifetime Past Review
By A student (The Catholic University of America) - abroad from 01/16/2017 to 05/06/2017 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies
I learned how to fit in with the Spanish culture and how to become more spontaneous. This experience was extremely worthwhile. I would do it again in a heart beat.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I think Madrid is pretty safe. You just need to be very aware of pickpocketers. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved how central Madrid was and that all of my classes were taught in Spanish but with other American students. The IES staff is incredibly accommodating and care so deeply that we get the best study abroad experience possible. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I would say about $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not feel like you need to buy everything when you first get to your location. Spread out your purchases throughout your time abroad. Also, when traveling, look to see if it is cheaper to fly, take the train, or take the bus. Same with staying places, look to see if it is cheaper to stay in a hostel, air bnb, hotel, etc. |
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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 203 |
| 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? | Speak the language everywhere you go |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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 knew how difficult it is to become fluent in Spanish |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
History of Madrid |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Juana Anadon |
| Instruction Language: | |
| Comments: | The class was not well organized and planned out. The professor did not prepare us well for the exams. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
