An Unforgettable Summer! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was rigorous, but there were ample resources such as tutors to help students out. Attendance and homework were mandatory because without it, students could not learn and grasp the information.

On-site administration of your program

The administration was so helpful both before we even arrived to Madrid and after by following up with how we were doing. They always made sure we were safe and were always wanting us to experience the best.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great housing experience! I lived in a homestay with a roommate who was a part of the same program; however, we were a little farther from the center of Madrid compared to other students in the program.

The food was good and very different than what most of us expected! Our host would always cook delicious authentic Spanish food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although it took a while to adjust, once we were a couple of weeks in, we all felt like locals. We knew the metro by the back of our hands and all the best local spots to eat and hang out.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Although I had no need to use health care, a couple students on the trip did get a little sick, but our advisors really helped them out by getting them the help they needed.

Just like any other city, Madrid has parts that are safe and dangerous. On our first day, we had an orientation, where the staff explained areas to avoid in the city. They also told us how to handle different situations such as assault or robbery. We were all prepared if anything had happened.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Considering two meals a day were provided, I had no problem budgeting my money while in Madrid. On weekend trips, however, money started to get tight. It all depended on how much an individual budgeted.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

It was a very immersive program where all the classes were taught in Spanish and everyone associated with the program spoke Spanish to us - teachers, hosts, administration

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• I loved how immersive it was, and how you could make what you want of it. We had a lot of free time because we only had two classes a day. Some students would sit at a local cafe, others would return to their homestays and spend time with their hosts, while others would explore new parts of the city. With this IES program, you can make it whatever you want.

• I wished it was a little longer, but it was still a great in between of a Maymester and entire semester abroad.

The Outright Urbanite