Madrid: The Experience of a Lifetime Past Review
By Laura B (International Business and Spanish Linguistics, University of Saint Thomas) for
IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid
I gained more perspectives from more varying countries, cultures and people. My experience deepened my already growing desire to travel and learn about more cultures. My plans have always been internationally related being an International Business and Spanish Linguistics major I really want to become involved in the field of Bilingual Marketing and eventually Interpretation.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Complutense |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload definitely catered to a lifestyle abroad, I had no classes on Fridays which was perfect for exploring my home city as well as other areas throughout Europe. The professors and overall school structure is something to get used to as it differs a lot from most American Universities, but overall it was a very positive learning environment. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrators at the madrid program base were always available to help out with anything and everything, as were the Chicago headquarters before leaving for the semester. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the most amazing housing situation living with an older Spanish couple who got married too late in life to have kids of their own, thus they truly treated my roommate and I as their daughters. This relationship has continued on since we left through phone calls and beign penpals. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was the most amazing cook ever. The overall quantity and quality of food was delicious and abundant. I constantly felt like I was eating Thanksgiving dinner everyday, but to my surprise because I was constantly on the move I actually lost weight. If looking for a great place to get tapas in Spain, go to Lateral in plaza Santa Ana, or really any of the bars and restaurants in Lavapies and La Latina. The food and atmosphere around food is amazing in Spain. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our field trips to Segovia, Granada and Toledo were great experiences. IES always set us up at the nicest restaurants with the best food during meal times, and we were always able to have a bit of free time in between our scheduled tours and visits to cultural icons throughout these locations. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city was very safe, transportation was easy, however as a female in a foreign country I would suggest moving in at least pairs at night because it just makes sense. I do the same thing here in the states, it just gives peace of mind to every close to you that you're never alone in unfamiliar circumstances. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Using Spanish was constantly required, in classes, between classmates and outside of the school area. I lived in a homestay where neither of my host parents spoke no English, so the Spanish requirement was stressed highly. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be open-minded and flexible, and don't be afraid of trying to things. Attempt to go everywhere and see everything. |
