Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Now Know Past Review

By (International Studies, Macalester College) - abroad from 09/07/2015 to 12/11/2015 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a confidence in myself, not only with my Spanish language skills, but also in my abilities to be able to accomplish things and grow in a completely different environment in which everything was completely foreign.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors in the IES Abroad program were incredible. They were clearly passionate about their subjects and I greatly enjoyed learning from them.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Administration was friendly, reliable, and actually cared about your time in Madrid. They always genuinely wanted to know if I was comfortable, and more importantly, happy.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The IES Abroad program gives you many different opportunities to connect with the local culture. You can take classes, have intercambios, and do many activities outside of the classroom.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues while abroad, but they clearly outlined what to do if one should occur.

* Safety:

Madrid is an incredibly safe city, that being said the program does everything within their power to prepare you for different situations. I did not have a single problem while in Madrid.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was because I studied in Madrid that I learned so much about myself and my culture. Having this completely different perspective of the United States is something I will value for a long time to come.

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)

They provided everything necessary, but if you wanted to go out with your friends it can add up. Make sure to take advantage of promotions and the advice that locals give you about great but affordable places.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent in between 50 euro to 70 euro, depending on if I was going to soccer games or out.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? BUDGET. Before you even get to where you will be studying, sit down, look at how much money you have to spend or want to spend, and budget. Then, keep to that amount.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A 305 linguistics course in Spanish.
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? Talk with your advisors and host parents A LOT. They are used to interacting with people new to Spanish and are super patient and helpful with everything.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Using Spanish
  • The Classes
  • The Faculty
* What could be improved?
  • My own involvement in activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have understood the history of Spain better. Knowing the history of a country is incredible helpful in understanding certain cultural things.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.