Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer in Madrid Past Review

By (Biology/Finance, Trinity University) - abroad from 05/18/2016 to 06/29/2016 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Independence, confidence, problem solving skills. I learned a lot of things by trial and error- the metro/train systems in different countries, how to barter in the souks in Morocco, how to get around in Venice without getting lost, how to use the night búhos in Madrid... definitely worthwhile.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I don't think it could have been a better experience. IES takes very good care of their students- they gave us tours, took us to Valencia/Segovia and other excursions, and the restaurants we went to were great. The professors were great, I was never bored in class and they really try to make sure that everyone is understanding the material (the classes are taught in Spanish).

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you withdraw bigger amounts at one time rather than small amounts many times you save money because of the transaction fees.

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

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?
  • Excursions- Valencia
  • Classes/professors
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • Air conditioning in the classroom (it got very hot at the end of June)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I am much more careful with using my phone and with my purse/bags while using public transportation. It's always a good idea to keep at least 10-15 euros just in case you need a taxi if the metro is not working.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'