Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Window to a New World October 10, 2022

By (Public Health, Vanderbilt University) - abroad from 01/03/2022 to 02/11/2022 with

CIEE: Madrid: Open Campus Block

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to put myself in uncomfortable situations to help grow my confidence and independence.

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

I would definitely choose this program again -- in fact, I'd spend 2 blocks here instead of 1. I would definitely recommend going in the fall semester if you can -- the weather is a lot more manageable.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan beforehand! Make a budget and stick to it after experiencing a week abroad. If possible, try to cook a couple times a week so you can save money for extracurriculars.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Extracurriicular Activities
  • Reasonable Pricing
  • Clean and Beautiful Dorms
* What could be improved?
  • Food services in the Dorm
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would definitely go in the fall semester instead of spring because it gets pretty cold in Spain in January.

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 Adventurer
The 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.