Viva Madrid Past Review

By (Applied Math, Harvard University) for

IES Abroad: Madrid Summer - Language & Cultural Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I learnt a lot through the mistakes I had made.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My advanced grammar class was time-comsuming and somewhat rewarding. The film class was fun but also involved not too much active participation. The professors were really nice though!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES staff members were really helpful whenever you need them!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was nice but a bit strict. She certainly contributed to my Spanish experience.

* Food:

I liked lunches because I got to talk to my host mom about current issues.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I liked the tourist attractions in Madrid as well as the clubs.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

IES program required all of us to get cellphones and kept us in check that way very well.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of how much you spend on additional trips.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 50
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced Spanish in class and spoke it everywhere outside the classroom too. Most people in the program spoke English with one another.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked the diversity of students.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish we could meet more Spanish students frequently.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do what you like, so anyone can have fun abroad so long they know this.