Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredibl semester Past Review

By (Hofstra University) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/10/2014 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and I have more faith in myself to travel alone and live on my own. I also am thrilled that I would now consider myself fluent in Spanish!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses at the IES program center were a good difficulty, and the courses at the local university, Universidad Complutense, were more difficult but very worth it!!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was so helpful and always available.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was an absolute angel, and her family made me feel at home. They helped me with learning words and were a constant support system for me.

* Food:

My host mom made the most delicious spanish dishes!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made Spanish friends at la Universidad Complutense, and through IES's intercambio program. I'd definitely recommend getting an intercambio to learn the language and meet people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

IES helped me IMMENSELY when I broke my foot the first month of the program.

* Safety:

They use a program to keep track of where students are if they travel on their own during the weekends, so I always felt safe and I knew someone knew where I was at all times.

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)

I tried to spend very little money a week, and found myself hungry often. But that was more my own fault for not budgeting correctly.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your money beforehand!!!!!

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

There was a "required spanish-only" rule, but it wasn't enforced. I spoke only Spanish in my classes, but all the students spoke English amongst ourselves, which was actually incredibly frustrating.

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? 400 level Spanish
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? Use IES's intercambio program, make an effort to speak with your host family, and take classes at Universidad Complutense or another local university. If your credits allow it, don't only take courses at the IES program center.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Excursions
  • Program staff
  • Host family
* What could be improved?
  • Tighter langauge requirement
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Making friends and learning the language is 100% what you make of it. No one is going to force you to make friends or speak the language--if you want to have a great experience, make it great yourself.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!