Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Better than I Could Have Imagined Past Review

By (Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 06/01/2015 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - Engineering, Math & Science

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to immerse myself in a new culture and explore places I would have never had the opportunity to see otherwise. I became more independent and confident, and it was definitely worthwhile.

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? No

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Structure of the program
  • Size of the program
  • Program staff
* What could be improved?
  • No complaints!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had made more of an effort to get to know more of the local students. If you want to fully embrace the culture, you have to step out of your comfort zone more often than not.

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.