IES Summer Madrid Very Enjoyable Past Review
By Jordan T (Biology, General., Brandeis University) for
IES Abroad: Madrid Summer - Language & Cultural Studies
The whole thing was worthwhile. I met awesome kids and explored an awesome city, while learning Spanish.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Workload was very easy, but still informative. Allows for exploration and abroad experience without overload of schoolwork. |
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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? |
Discussions with host mother were the main source of my language improvement. |
| * Food: |
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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? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
The program improved my understanding in Spanish greatly, primarily through listening and speaking with native speakers (especially my host). If you're looking to make the largest improvement possible, you should do an entire semester if you can. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want to really learn Spanish, make a precedent of speaking Spanish with your fellow students. The WILL break this habit, but you have to be stubborn about it. |
