Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I heart Madrid. September 11, 2024

By (Humanities, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/10/2024 to 05/10/2024 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of self-confidence and love for another place.

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.

There was little academic rigor or intensity, but that's what I was looking for when I went abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our representatives were not super responsive, but when they were around they were very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Mi Casa Inn Moncloa was a little over crowded, and the kitchen facilities weren't great.

* Food:

The food in Spain is cheap and accessible, but being a vegetarian is a little hard.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I spent a lot of time outside with people both from Madrid and my program. I went to a lot of cultural events as well.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a cold and was given an easy remedy at a pharmacy.

* Safety:

The most unsafe I felt was if I was catcalled, which happened rarely.

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)

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 strong encouragement to speak Spanish.

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? A course in the 100s level.
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? Have vocabulary flashcards with words you didn't know from class.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The connections I made
  • The language learning
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known my apartment didn't have a kitchen in it.

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.