Life-changing! Past Review

By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/14/2007 to 06/08/2007 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Cordoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was totally worthwhile! I gained exposure to a new culture and different ways of doing things, which was extremely exciting. I also gained so much confidence. Finally, more than 10 year later, it's shaped so much of what I've done- living and working in Argentina and Uruguay for 5 years, walking Saint James' Way (definitely one of the BEST things I've ever done), and meeting so many wonderful Spanish-speaking people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

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?	N/A.
* Safety:
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?	Hm, don't remember.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Find out where the locals go to grocery shop and do that. In general, talk to the locals about how they do things and learn from them.

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?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	2.5 years, with Middlebury's Language 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?	Live with locals, or international students from other countries who have similar goals about using the language. Watch movies in the language with subtitles in the language. Talk to locals- make conversation, listen to peoples' stories and don't be shy about sharing yourself! Tell locals to feel free to correct your grammar and pronunciation. Learn local terms- it'll give great insight to the culture and people!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Other
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students International Students
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?	living in the culture learning the language taking part in local traditions
* What could be improved?	guidance on choosing curriculum guidance on choosing housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I should have taken my time choosing my living situation.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Lingustics
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Course was so boring, teacher was extremely dry, spoke in monotone and it was difficult to follow her.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No- smooth.

Course Name/Rating:	Architecture
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Interesting, I liked that we visited different historical architectural structures in the city. Very hands on.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No- smooth.

Course Name/Rating:	History of Latin America
Course Department:	History
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Was very interesting to learn the history of Latin America from that perspective. I had taken courses in Latin American history in the U.S., and found a difference in details. After graduating from Middlebury, I went to live in Argentina and Uruguay for 5 years. Uruguayans love discussing Latin American history, so after many late nights hearing how things "really happened" from locals, gave me yet another perspective on the subject.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No- very smooth.

Course Name/Rating:	Spanish Literature
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	I liked this course because it exposed me to Spanish authors that I had not covered in my education in the U.S. The professor took the time to go through the literary works piece by piece, explaining them thoroughly and engaging the student through the process.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No- smooth.