An unforgettable semester with unbelievable trips and incredible people. Past Review
By Taylor E (COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS., Villanova University) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 12/14/2013 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew up so much during my time abroad. I learned how to manage my money, live on my own, use public transportation efficiently, and overall take care of myself. More than that, I grew up emotionally. I discovered what and who in my life is the most important, and what things matter more than others. By the end of the trip, I felt less stressed, much happier, and overall a better person. I was able to gain confidence through others and my own personal journey. Overall, the experience was invaluable.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would suggest budgeting out how much you plan to spend for the entire trip prior to arrival. I spent too much money my first few weeks there because I didn't adequately understand the concept of euros and what was considered cheap versus expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Conversation and Composition II |
| 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? | Try to speak it as much as possible. Don't be afraid of messing up, that is what helps you learn the most. Speak it with everyone you possibly can, it's so worth it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nothing! I felt very prepared by IES Abroad. They were extremely helpful prior to the program and throughout it too. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
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