Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best language immersion I could have asked for August 05, 2025

By (Spanish, Kenyon College) - abroad from 02/06/2025 to 06/22/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Cordoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
One of my favorite parts of the program was the language immersion. My Spanish improved so much, and I am much more confident using the language now. I made some local friends and friends from around the US that I plan on keeping in touch with.

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.

The university in Córdoba was very different from Kenyon. My Spanish improved by a lot, which was my goal, but I did not like the content of the courses I chose. I did not like the memorization-based structure of the university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

While the Middlebury staff was available via zoom and whatsapp during office hours, there was no on-site administration in Córdoba. I enjoyed the independence, but there were a few times (like the blackout in May) where I wished there was an administrator in the city to contact.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was air-conditioned and fairly big, with a full kitchen and bathroom. I did not get along with one of my roommates, but for the most part, the actual housing situation was fine. I was close to the university and within walking distance to pretty much everywhere in the city.

* Food:

My apartment had a full kitchen and several grocery stores within a 10 minutes walk, making it easy to cook. There were also lots of places to eat out with friends.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was my favorite part of the program. We lived in the

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Despite the administrators not being in the city, when I had to go to the doctor, it was a very easy process. They walked me through registering and going to the appointment.

* Safety:

Córdoba was a very safe city. People were out eating dinner until at least 10:30 at night, and there were very few incidents of mild street harassment.

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

See below

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 ended up spending around 25 euros per weekly trip to the grocery store, and I usually ate out once a week. That plus living expenses added up quickly.

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? Advanced
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
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? Leave the house - because I was in a local neighborhood, if I went outside, I was forced to listen to and use Spanish.

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
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?
  • Mixed international-local social life
  • Spanish immersion
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Administrator in the city
  • Better explanation of the university system
  • More program-funded cultural activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how hands-off the program was going to be with us - the first week was hard to adjust to, as we traveled to the city by ourselves and barely got contacted by any administrators (over zoom). When there was a blackout, we could not get information from the administrators because there was no cell service. This was fine once I got used to it, but I would have liked to know that up front.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!