Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A semester in beautiful Córdoba! Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/02/2018 to 01/18/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Cordoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained language skills and independence from my experience abroad and got to see lots of amazing things. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

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

Middlebury has a great emphasis on the language component that you will not find anywhere else. You get the opportunity to live independently in Córdoba, a city full of students, both local and international. It is the perfect location, in the perfect small city.

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? $50

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? 300 level Spanish class
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? Immersion, and take a language pledge!

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

  • 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?
  • The language pledge
  • The ability to be independent
* What could be improved?
  • More group excursions
  • Host families
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had done more research about places to take smaller weekend trips before I arrived, or Middlebury had a list of suggestions with detailed info about transportation.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Museología
Course Department: History of Art
Instructor: Roberto Gonzalez Ramos/Clemente Manuel Lopez Jimenez
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This course gave an in depth look into the roots and functions of museums.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

La Génesis del Arte Contemporáneo
Course Department: History of Art
Instructor: Yolanda Vict. Olmedo Sanchez
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This course was good, however the exams were hard and most of your grade was based on the exams. There were no papers due other than the bi-weekly homework assignments.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Territorio y Soceidad de España
Course Department: Filologia Hispanica
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This course was a basic overview of the geography and climate of Spain. The topic was interesting however the class was mostly student presentations.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Spanish Syntax
Course Department: n/a
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This class mostly focused on grammar and writing, and was a great way to practice and ask questions about grammar and language we were using in our everyday lives.
Credit Transfer Issues: