Amazing Experience May 20, 2026
By Carolyn J (Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/19/2026 to 05/09/2026 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
I gained a more european perspective on international relations that i felt like I was severely lacking before this experience. As an IR major, this experience completely opened my eyes to the world outside of just the US.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Super interesting classes. I loved all the classes that I took and it was really cool to learn about events and then being able to see the lasting impacts in real life when walking around the city. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES team was super helpful and always hosted fun events for students to attend. i wish I got to go to more of the events but unfortunately it did not work out with my schedule. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved living with a host mom. I'm so glad I chose to fully immerse myself in Spanish culture when I was in Madrid because I felt like I learned and experienced so much that I would not have been able to if I did not choose to live with a host family. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved the sense of community you could feel. I also quickly became friends with this couple that owned the cerveceria on the corner and I feel like my relationship with them was a good example of the sense of community I felt. |
|
* 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 loved Madrid, and I loved Spain in general. I loved visiting all the different cities and I felt as though spain as a whole was very accessible. I was able to do a lot within Madrid and see and learn a lot. |
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) |
Compared to every other european city I went during my time abroad, I actually feel as though madrid is very affordable as long as you choose to live more like a local. If you just follow tik tok recommendations for food spots and other things, it can be quite pricey. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | way too much than i should've. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you have an issue regarding food and your host family, it's better to tell IES immediately. |
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? | HISP 105 |
| 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? | Actually force yourself to speak spanish. I was lucky enough to make friends that spoke spanish who were in my abroad program as well and even with them I would speak spanish in order to practice instead of speaking english together. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that if I didn't take UCM classes that I would have to figure out different ways to make local friends |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
