Hala Madrid! Past Review
By Bentley H (Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University) for
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
It was worth it to go abroad. I think learning a different language and experiencing a different culture it something everyone needs to do.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was about the same for my engineering classes. The grading system was different there where the majority of the grade depended on the final exam. Besides that, the teaching methods were the same, which were mostly lecture style classes and a few labs. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone at the program was very helpful. They were able to quickly find a tutor to help my in one of my engineering classes as well as find a language exchange student to help improve my Spanish. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was selected based on the student's ranking of housing options. The home I stayed in was definitely in a safe neighborhood and located very close to the Metro, so it was easy to get around the entire city and to class. All of my linens and towels were provided for me, which made packing easier. Overall, it was a great experience. |
| * Food: |
There are plenty of places around the city for whatever kind of food you are interested in eating. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Once we were all acclimated in Madrid, the program began the field schedule and activities. We went to different local attractions like museums, stadiums, and gardens. We also went out of Madrid to different towns and cities such as Toledo, Valencia, and Segovia. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
The city was overall pretty safe. I never had any safety issues while there. The program also wanted us to record when we traveled so they were able to contact us at all times. We could also contact them at all times as well because they provided us with an emergency number that would connect us directly with one the program staff members. |
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Look up phone usage costs before you go and figure out easy ways to stay in contact with your family such as Skype. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the language with my host mom and her children everyday, which I think helped improve my Spanish. I also met with a student a couple times a week for language exchange. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
