Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a lifetime Opportunity Past Review

By (Dominican University) - abroad from 05/06/2017 to 07/01/2017 with

The Intern Group: Madrid Internship Placement Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Spending the past two months interning abroad, I have realized that intercultural communication and cultural intelligence is extremely vital to becoming successful. There are so many fundamental factors that adhere to adjusting to a foreign workplace and city, but one thing to always remember is that you're always learning something new. Keep stepping out of your comfort zone because eventually your comfort zone will grow to an uncomfortable size. Expand your network, try something new and never lose sight of who you want to become.

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? Yes

I would only because I enjoyed the food, the people, the cultural traditions and I felt right at home.

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? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be frugal with your money. As everything may seem cheaper, it adds up!

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? College level Spanish
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? Within your living space, encourage your flatmates to speak the language as it will be useful for when interacting with people.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The administrative team
  • The program participants
  • The experience
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew exactly how the culture was going to be because I definitely wouldve stayed longer!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.