6 weeks in Spain Past Review

By (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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid, Summer Photo IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid, Summer Photo IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid, Summer Photo IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid, Summer Photo IES Abroad: Madrid - IES Abroad in Madrid, Summer Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* 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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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.

* 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.

* 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

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)

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
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

* 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

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • host family
  • field trips
  • teachers
* What could be improved?
  • my budget
  • planning trips in advance
  • making local friends
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would come home broke.