Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the best decisions I have ever made for my future and career. Past Review

By (University of Florida) - abroad from 05/09/2017 to 07/14/2017 with

The Intern Group: Madrid Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to work with people from a similar culture, learned more about blogs and social media marketing, and with public speaking.

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.

N/A

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At the beginning, we had housekeepers who came all the time interrupting us from our daily activities, but it got better at the end. Hopefully, this does not happen to other interns.

* Food:

I absolutely love Spanish food! Salmorejo is my favorite :)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved walking around the city and seeing people go out and socialize with friends or family.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

I felt very secure and safe in my barrio and apartment.

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

I loved how they placed me based on my interests. I got along with my co-workers at work, learned, and practiced my Spanish.

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)

very easy

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? grocery store was at least 40 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? no

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I am fluent in English and Spansish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice it daily

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Teamwork
  • Independence
  • Public Speaking
* What could be improved?
  • Housing Situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known more about navigating my way through the city.

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.