Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable and Life Changing Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 01/16/2017 to 05/06/2017 with

IES Abroad: Madrid - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The trip was so worthwhile. I came home with a new sense of independence, a suitcase full of olive oil, and friends that I will cherish forever.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Every course I took was enriching, interesting, and enjoyable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration available to me was outstanding and extremely well-organized with a student-first mentality.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host mom, we still talk today about how we are each doing and we now call each other family.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Getting to know Madrid was absolutely amazing. I felt so integrated with the local culture that I want to go back and live there!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to visit the doctor once, and I was very surprised how quickly someone in the program helped me get an appointment and how well the doctor was able to help me. Also, it was cheaper than the US!

* Safety:

I felt very safe at all times.

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

I absolutely loved Madrid. I love the culture, the people, the food, and their desire to be relational with people. I completed an internship there and lived with a host family, which I believe boosted my confidence in speaking Spanish immensely. I made friends that I will have for a lifetime, I enjoyed every class I took, and I now want to move there. I couldn't have asked for a better abroad experience.

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)

I do recommend saving a lot of money for the trip though, so you can make the most out of your experience.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

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? Intro to Spanish American Literature class (SPAN 3332)
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? The more Spanish you surround yourself with, the more likely you are to speak it. Keep practicing.

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
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?
  • The Classes
  • My Friends
  • The Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Class Times
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Speak as much Spanish as you possibly can! And yes, you will have to force yourself to!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.