Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best experience ever Past Review

By (Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/09/2017 to 06/02/2017 with

CIEE: Madrid - Business, Economics & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had and I would highly recommend it. I want my younger brother to go when he goes abroad

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

CIEE was incredible. It is so well run and I loved the relationships I made with the staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing and exceeded all my expectations. I had the best time there.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

This didn't really apply to me

* 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)

Yes very easily

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Courses in college
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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • host family
  • CIEE staff
  • Madrid
* What could be improved?
  • I didn't have any issues
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have done a year abroad as opposed to a semester

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.