Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/16/2018 to 06/27/2018 with

IES Abroad: Madrid Summer - Language & Cultural Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned independence, a foreign language, and how to be a world traveler. Amazing experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot of Spanish from conversation.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was great

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was perfect.

* Food:

Not a lot of kosher food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I mainly spoke with americans on the program, but I learned a lot about Spanish culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safer than NY

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

I’m nearly fluent after 6 weeks in Spain.

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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery store is cheaper than restaurants. Be mindful of drink spending.

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? Intermediate
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? Only speak in the foreign language. Talk to everyone. If you go buy coffee strike up a conversation with the barista.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Learning
* What could be improved?
  • More conversations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to cook, I ate mostly omelettes in Spain.

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!