Madrid Experiences Past Review
By Meredith V (International/Global Studies., Trinity University) for
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
I really enjoyed my experience. I learned a great deal about other cultures and people and that the world is a lot bigger than I previously thought but that people are not so different despite cultural and geographically difference.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Complutense de Madrid |
| 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 instructors were very good although they relied on lecture format which was a little tiring because all the classes were an hour and a half |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program did a good job of describing possible problems Americans students might have in the country but was a little lengthy. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I found my host family very welcoming although it was hard to adjust to living in a family situation again |
| * Food: |
The food was very good with few exceptions of particular meals I did not find enjoyable and there was always plenty to eat. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Madrid is a very active and fun city with lots to do for every type of person. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Safety was never really an issue. Madrid doesn't have many violent crimes, mostly just pickpocketing. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I don't really remember exactly how much but it was a lot more than I would spend in the United States. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to budget well but know that you will spend more than you plan to spend. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
It was very helpful to live in a homestay where you were forced to speak the language but interactions at the school or in social situations was primarily in English because you were with Americans |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I really enjoyed my program. The professors and administration are very helpful and easy to talk to. |
