Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Madrid: "We have to go back, Kate" Past Review

By (Mathematics, Tufts University) - abroad from 01/19/2012 to 05/11/2012 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I would say I'm more outgoing and adventurous now. Spanish lifestyle is fairly laidback you have to go with the flow. They have this saying in Madrid "No pasa nada". Madrileños say it all the time. It means "Don't worry about it. Everything's gonna be okay". Even though it made my senior year schedule slightly less flexible, going abroad was completely worthwhile and I would do it again in a second. ¡No pasa nada!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES Abroad on-site staff in Madrid are exceptional: Angel, Yolanda, María José... Everyone could not be more friendly, welcoming, and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My home-stay experience was beyond excellent. I could not have asked for a better host mom. Good location also.

* Food:

The best food I ate was the food my host mom cooked, which I would say was true for everyone. Incapacitating in how good it was. Post-lunch siestas were a necessity every day. Tapas and food around town was a different experience, but also good. The Spaniards are great cooks.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did have to visit a doctor's office once. It was easily accessible and I was helped by the IES coordinators to make the appointment and find my way. The office I went to caters to Americans so the system did not seem much different. Pharmacies are definitely different though, not like your typical CVS at all. Even if it's not medicine, you often have to ask for the product you want: toothpaste, contact solution, sunscreen etc. These latter products are often available in larger familiar grocery store settings.

* Safety:

Pick-pocketing is a definite problem in Madrid. During orientation we were given a lecture from local policemen on how to be aware and safe in the city. As they said "Madrid's pickpocket's are professionals". You need to be aware, but in general Madrid is a very safe city.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not sure..

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

The program encourages you to use the language, but it's your responsibility to be honest with yourself and actually use it as much as possible.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Composition and Conversation (Spanish 121 at Tufts)
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? Don't just hang out with other Americans. Go to markets. Talk with locals.

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Homestay!!
* What could be improved?
  • More accountability for onsight language use.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be shy.

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.