So special, so sweaty! August 10, 2022
By Jessica U (liberal arts, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/19/2022 to 06/29/2022 with
IES Abroad: Madrid Summer - Language & Cultural Studies
yes yes yes. Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity that should not be overlooked. I gained so much more confidence and self compassion for myself, I made some wonderful friends, and I got to travel to three different countries. I returned as a much more self assured and genuinely happy individual.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really enjoyed my courses and my profe's. The course load was not strenuous whatsoever, but some assignments required more time and detail. I appreciated having a lighter load after two intense semesters at my school in the US, but I do wish we had some more in depth class discussions. |
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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 really liked living in the Emilia Bazan residency. Such a great way to meet students from different uni's and having a dining hall was a big help. It is s bit north of the central area of Madrid, so not the most central location but I appreciated coming home to a clean, air conditioned single room with really nice amenities. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Very easy to live on a budget in Madrid. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | always budget to spend more in case of unexpected expenses! |
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 |
fully immersive program, so happy to have experienced it. Was a huge reason why I improved so much with my language skills. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | college level Spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? |
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? | Be present and enjoy the moment. Lean into discomfort, have f u n |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
