Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Language Immersion Past Review

By (Williams College) - abroad from 08/26/2019 to 12/06/2019 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to lean outside of my comfort zone and explore more. It was absolutely worthwhile.

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.

Not as academically rigorous as my home institution, but my purpose for abroad was language immersion and IES was rigorous in that sense.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

At times a little unorganized, but overall did a good job of being supportive of the students for whatever purpose.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my host family so much. IES did a great job pairing me with my family and my roommate (housemate). My family had been hosting for IES for many years and would constantly praise IES on the students they received.

* Food:

The food was very good and substantial. Spanish food, in general, was very different from what I was expecting and what I usually get at home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A lot of time was spent with other IES students, so I am glad I did a host family to integrate myself into the culture whenever I could. I also took a class at the partner university, so I was able to meet many local students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get sick while I was there, but I was given the option to receive a flu shot which was very easy (thanks to IES) and not expensive.

* Safety:

Madrid is an incredibly safe city, at least relative to New York City. As a woman of color, I never felt unsafe.

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

I feel like IES was a great fit for me and the people I met through the program were great. However, I do not know much about other programs so this is very biased.

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)

I didn't have to buy food most days because I was in a homestay, so it would be very easy to live with a smaller budget. I chose to spend most of my money traveling to neighboring countries. Additionally, compared to where I'm from Madrid is very affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Instead of eating out for every meal, if you live in an apartment do grocery shopping or buy some snacks.

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

All classes were completely in Spanish and in the program center it was encouraged to exclusively speak in Spanish in the lounge areas, etc. Also my homestay was 100% Spanish.

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? Advanced Grammar and Composition (RLSP 105)
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 to everyone in Spanish! Just use it whenever and wherever you can. Engage in activities offered by IES that encourage language usage, and always get Spanish menus at restaurants

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?
  • My host family
  • the people I met through the program
  • the city
* What could be improved?
  • The organization of the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That is wouldn't be easy emotionally or socially in the beginning, but it would be worth it.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.