Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Time Abroad in Madrid January 20, 2026

By (International Relations, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/01/2025 to 12/18/2025 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I believe I gained more confidence in myself, especially being more comfortable being more independent. It was very worthwhile, I would go abroad again if I had the chance.

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 had a really great study abroad experience. I think my favorite part was all the friendships and relationships I was able to make. I got pretty close with the people I lived with and that alone was probably the highlight of my study abroad experience. The location of Madrid was also really great, I was able to travel every weekend for cheap.

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? around $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? To get a full study abroad experience in Spain, save around $10,000, especially if you plan on traveling often.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Hisp106
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? Try to speak it as often as you can, be comfortable with the language and have confidence in yourself!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The friendships I made.
  • Cultural immersion.
  • Getting to know and live in Madrid.
* What could be improved?
  • Class could have been more engaging.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I hadn't worried as much before I left. Everything will always work out and just enjoy the experience to the best you can.

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.