A Stroll through Madrid Past Review

By (Biology, General., Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/20/2013 to 06/29/2013 with

IES Abroad: Madrid Summer - Language & Cultural Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
After my 6 weeks in Madrid, my Spanish and knowledge of Spain improved dramatically. This experience was worthwhile since I was able to understand their culture much more while having plenty of time to explore this unique country.

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

They were very accommodating and understanding.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish we were able to meet more Spanish students, but they had to study for finals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

On the first day of orientation, IES brought police officers to give us tips how to be safe. I never had anything stolen.

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

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)

Spain is not the cheapest country to live in, but I was able to save money by purchasing groceries.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Instead of eating out every night, have picnics with your classmates.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate 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? Live in a homestay in order to avoid speaking English all the time.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Class Trips to Valencia and Segovia
  • Class lunches
  • Being able to take a course in which we learned about Madrid while walking around the city.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish we could meet more Spanish students.
  • More class lunches
  • Less work in one of my classes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Many of my classmates traveled to other parts of Europe and Spain during the semester.