Experience Past Review
By Ibrahim K (Franklin & Marshall College) - abroad from 01/12/2014 to 05/10/2014 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
As this was my first real trip overseas, I learned that I can survive and be independent in a different country—a tremendously invaluable ability. For that alone it was worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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: |
Granted, the food in Spain is solid, I just didn't have the best food in my homestay. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made it a point to get out and spend time with locals, in the best way I knew how: football |
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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) |
It was relatively easy for me to survive, sacrifices had to be made though. More than I would've liked. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | maybe 25 - 30 euro a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Raise as much money as you can before going, and then raise more. Saving money should not be a priority when you are abroad. |
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 |
All classes were in Spanish |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | 300 level college course |
| 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? | Make a deliberate effort to practice. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How necessary it is to make each day count. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
