A semester full of fun, learning, and culture Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/05/2016 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish and learned about Spanish history and culture. I learned a lot about the world and gained new perspectives through my interactions with others. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

Although this program is quite immersive, I would note that you are likely to be taking most classes through the program with American students, so you really have to make an effort to make local friends.

* 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 having an academically challenging program, as well as a program that arranged field trips and other cultural experiences. The administrators were also very helpful and made an effort to make my experience great.

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)

Madrid is relatively cheap, for a major European capital.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to eat out too much so that you can spend your money on traveling instead. When you eat out, try cheaper places like the chain 100 Montaditos.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 360
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? Make an effort to make local friends and talk to them in Spanish as much as you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • classes, professors
  • taking a class at a local university
  • language exchange buddy
* What could be improved?
  • more students living in the dorms
  • more interaction with Spanish students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You need to push yourself to connect with local students and challenge yourself to work on Spanish everyday, it won't just come to you.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!