Irreplaceable July 11, 2026
By Selena S (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/14/2026 to 05/08/2026 with
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained experience in a different culture that I would have never been able to have otherwise. The immersion into a different culture can be as little or as much as you make it out to be. This program allowed for a lot of immersion if you seek it. I learned about a new city, a different culture, how to live in a city, and many more things.
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. |
|
|
* 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
|
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? | 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? | College Spanish Level 3 |
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 |
|
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 more people going into this experience. Even though I met so many great people organically during the program, it would have been great to connect with a few people before arriving in Madrid (who did not already go to my school). |
Featured Program Providers
