Falling Down the Rabbit Hole August 19, 2024

By Jessica W (History & Language, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/16/0024 to 06/28/0024 with

IES Abroad: Madrid Summer - Language & Cultural Studies

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

I learned language and life skills from being abroad. In terms of learning how to navigate a new location, specifically with a different culture and language. I definitely believe it was worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Wonderful and helpful.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	No complains other than room slightly smelling like cigarette smoke if windows weren't open.
* Food:	Dining hall food mediocre, but staff was incredibly nice. Not a reflection of the staff just the provider probably.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Integrated until I tried to open my mouth.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Got sick and was treated as soon as the weekend ended.
* Safety:	It's incredible safe. Just stay away from parks at night and travel in packs at night if you're a woman.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes Everything in the program was wonderful, I would just pick a program that was longer because I loved my time there.

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)	Depends on what you're willing to spend. How often do you go out sightseeing, shopping etc? Tried to spend as little money as possible, but spent a lot on food. Cheaper the less touristy and if you're able to bargain. You definitely should save prior to arriving or work a remote job if you're not being financially supported by someone else.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	200ish depending on the week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Save, eat at the dining hall if you can, avoid touristy restaurants, do souvenir/gift shopping at el rastro or cheap stores.

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	It wasn't easy being around English speakers the whole time, but in the classes and doing day-by-day activities encouraged and IES activities helped but the cohort matters and if your peers are willing to practice.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Beginner
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?	HISP 104
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?	Duolingo, take your Spanish class seriously. It will help you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* 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?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	People in the program (students and faculty) Exploring Madrid Public Transportation
* What could be improved?	Food in the Dining Hall More time after finals end before we have to leave, would have liked 24 hours to pack after the last exam Spanish Language enforcement/correction
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I planned excursions before I went. I regret not taking the train to Barcelona for a weekend, but it was just too expensive as I planned too late and waited until I arrived to look into it.

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	MADR-HS303-02 Madrid the City
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Juan Arana
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Field trips frequently throughout the city, knowledgable professor, accommodating and helpful to all Spanish language levels. Exams for midterms and finals, difficult but prepared us well.
Credit Transfer Issues:	To be seen.

Course Name/Rating:	MADR-SP 351-01
Course Department:	Language
Instructor:	Marina Antón
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Challenging but understandable, learned a lot of content in short period of time. Professor accommodating and helpful.
Credit Transfer Issues:	To be seen.