Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable Summer July 23, 2025

By (Biology and Healthcare, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/21/2025 to 07/01/2025 with

IES Abroad: Summer - Sustainable Development & Equitable Living Across Borders: Spain & Morocco

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What I brought home from study abroad is almost immeasurable. I learned so much about Spanish and Moroccan culture and met so wonderful many people. Each day was filled with invaluable memories and activities (some planned and others more spontaneous). In short, it was incredibly worthwhile. I could not recommend studying abroad enough! It pushes you out of your comfort zone, and you will walk away with so many fond memories, new friendships, and an affinity for a new place.

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.

* 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? Yes

I would most definitely choose the same program. The reason why my experience abroad was so invaluable was due, in part, to the location and my peers turned friends; however, the staff at IES Granada also deserve the spotlight. They were always very engaging, accommodating, and truly went above and beyond to organize activities and immerse the students in the culture 24/7.

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? I spent an average of 30-40 euro each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I recommend saving more money than you think you might need. The costs add up quickly. It is important to account for souvenirs, going out to eat (having a solid Venmo balance helps), potential weekend trips, as well other other activities.

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? 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? I took Spanish in middle school but switched to French in high school.
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? Listen to your target language as much as possible (in the form of videos on social media, shows, or podcasts).

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Activities/Opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Timing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that, as great as this experience was, there would still be a few difficult moments. There were times I struggled with homesickness (friends from home/familiarity/food from my culture). However, this is normal, and it is important to know that there resources and support systems to lean on.

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.