6 weeks in Spain Past Review
By Tori D (International Global Studies, Sociology, Hispanic Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/18/2015 to 06/27/2015 with
IES Abroad: Madrid Summer - Language & Cultural Studies
A lot of knowledge about myself when I am in an unfamiliar environment and adapting to cultural norms. I am better able to communicate wit native speakers.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Wasn't terribly challenging but I have at least 6 semesters of Spanish course work. Staff and teachers are very helpful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had an awesome host family. A retired couple and another student in the program as a roommate. |
| * Food: |
Home cooked meals were phenomenal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I used the metro by myself at least once a day and I felt comfortable in my neighborhood. Spaniard people are very helpful and friendly when you need them. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There was adequate health insurance for those who did have health issues (ie. broken ankle, kidney stones, etc) |
| * Safety: |
city is safe, especially if youhave experience living alone or in a city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
you should budget 200$ a week especially if you plan on going out or traveling to other cities during weekends. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 200 give or take |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | save up! you can never have to much money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
at home and school and in he street. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| 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? | don't be shy. no one expects you to be fluent but to try and use what you know. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I would come home broke. |
