Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable Madrid Past Review

By (Spanish, Grinnell College) - abroad from 01/25/2016 to 05/07/2016 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Madrid was truly a cultural blow. When I first arrived I was no stranger to museums, concerts and other types of cultural events—ever since I was a little girl my parents have encouraged my appreciation for such activities—but none of this compared to the magnitude and quality of what I discovered in Spain. Every minute of my experience there was definitely worth it!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

Madrid is the perfect place to go abroad; it is the cultural center of the country and it is easy to travel to other cities from there.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to eat out all the time and make sure you find out what days museums open up for free. You'll be surprised how many events you can attend without paying a single euro!

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 20th century literature seminar
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 lots of Spanish friends ;)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • Trips organized by IES Madrid Staff
  • Classes offered at IES Madrid center
* What could be improved?
  • I wish the IES Madrid Staff had organized more activites to allow IES students to meet Spanish students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I hadn't felt so nervous before going...I think that opening myself up to the experience from the start would have allowed me to enjoy it even more.

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!