Making Madrid My Second Home Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My grammar class with Enrique was amazing. He is a great teacher and has really unique teaching methods that help you understand difficult concepts. The workload of all my courses was not overwhelming at all. IES really knows how to balance the educational and social aspects of study abroad. I had some professors that were more knowledgeable about their subject areas then others, but my overall educational experience was a good one.

On-site administration of your program

IES really knows how to take care of their students, and for the most part the administrators did a great job of aiding and supporting the students. The only complaint I had was with their process to sign up for extracurricular trips and excursions. They often limited the number of students who could attend, and kept strictly to the limitations, but then students would not show up and therefore take away another students chance of going on that particular trip.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was AMAZING. She was so nice and really helped me feel more comfortable adjusting to life in Spain. She never judged my habits or disrespected me in any way, and she really made me feel at home in her home. She did not have any family living with her and I did not have a roommate, so I think that aided in us having a wonderful relationship. Her apartment was perfect for two people to live comfortably, and it was within walking distance of the IES center which was really convenient.

The food we were served at IES functions was always delicious, and usually better food that we students could afford on our own. My host moms cooking was amazing. She very quickly learned what I liked and I never had any trouble with the food she made me. I would definitely recommend eating at 100 Montaditos. Its a great cheap way to ease your way into Spanish cuisine. It is also a great hang out place for students.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

IES did a great job with planning field trips. I especially liked the one to Bilbao and San Sebastián. The trips were well planned and had just the right amount of free time versus planned tours, etc. The tour guides used by IES were amazing. They were really knowledgeable and made all of the places we went more interesting and fun.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any safety or health related problems in Madrid, while it does have the same possible dangers of any big city, as long as you are smart and alert, you wont have any problems. Always watch out for pick-pockets on the metro and in large areas like Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor. IES did a good job with safety tips and reminders to help us remain alert. I never had to go to the doctor while I was in Madrid, but I did go to the pharmacy once to pick up some ibuprofen. The employees I encountered were very helpful, you just have to tell them what is wrong with you and they will get what ever medication you need.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I mostly practiced Spanish with my host mom and the people I worked with in my internship. The other kids in the program didn't really speak Spanish with each other, and even though the IES people tried to enforce the Spanish only rule, people didn't really take it seriously. I did use Spanish everyday but mostly with other Spanish people, not really with the other kids in the program.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family