Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A rollercoaster of a time in Madrid May 30, 2023

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2023 to 05/13/2023 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Besides more language experience, I think I learned a lot about just living in a foreign country, in a city, and how to sort of cope with that. I would say it was definitely worth it in the end.

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?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I think I would choose one that was a bit more integrated into the local university's rather than one that was isolated on its own

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? 30-50 Euros

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Hisp 111B
How many hours per day did you 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?
  • The city
  • The people I met abroad
  • The professors
* What could be improved?
  • More cultural activities/offerings
  • More integration with Spanish students
  • Better accommodations for certain dietary restrictions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? One thing I wish I knew is that there's no 'correct' way to do abroad. Some people travel every weekend, some people stay in Spain, some people go out every night, and others never go near a club. No matter how you do it, there isn't a bad or worse way, and you should just do what you're comfortable with.

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!