Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing experience abroad! March 23, 2023

By (Spanish Language, Literature, University of St. Thomas - Minnesota) - abroad from 09/01/2022 to 12/03/2022 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad was very worthwhile. It was an amazing experience to live in a foreign country for a semester. Although it was daunting to think about living somewhere new, speaking a different language, and making new friends, it was all so much fun and really pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I had a minor health issue while abroad and the IES staff was very helpful in telling me exactly where I could go to get treatment from English-speaking doctors.

* Safety:

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

I would definitely choose to do this program over again if I could. I think it was perfect for me because I wanted to live in a big city while also improving my Spanish skills and experiencing a different culture, all of which I was able to do with this program.

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)

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

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Field trips
  • Activities with local students
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-departure orientation clarity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to pack a bit better. Be sure to pack clothes for both very warm weather and cooler weather as well.

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 Urbanite
A 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.