Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had lots of fun in a new cultural environment; felt like a true madrileña. September 03, 2024

By (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/16/2024 to 06/28/2024 with

IES Abroad: Madrid Summer - Language & Cultural Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how difficult it is to communicate in a second language, and gained an even bigger sense of empathy for people who have to navigate in countries where they don't speak the language very well.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would do a whole semester in a different country for a new experience.

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? 200

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? HISP 111
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Small group of students
  • Relatable student success coordinators
  • Activities and excursions
* What could be improved?
  • More class options
  • More detailed housing options
  • Better pre-departure orientation (advisor was hard to reach)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just have fun, don't worry about money, or time away; it will all be worth it.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.