Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I WANT TO LIVE IN SPAIN Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Getafe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became a more independent person.

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.

You didn't really have to attend class, nonetheless you have to study since the fina exam is a large portion of the grade.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

EASO residence was very dirty but people were nice. Location was also great.

* Food:

The food in Spain is amazing. A lot of variety and price ranged restuarants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I ended up dating someone in Spain, which helped me integrate myself a lot more with the Spanish community.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a blood test one and it was very straightforward and easy.

* Safety:

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

I fell inlove with the culture and the people. I loved Madrid and how accesible other cities in Spain were. I would not study there because I did not find it academically rigorous but it is an amazing place to live.

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? It depended. Food is cheap at the grocery store and the menu of the day is very affordable. there are also expensive restaurants.

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? 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, but I took a 300 level course
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? Definitely use the CTLR to talk to Spanish speaking students or tutors. Middlebury focuses a lot on a the reading/writing component and not enough on speech. I noticed that my pears struggled a lot with colloquial language and just general knowledge.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • being with middlebury students
  • spanish people
  • independence
* What could be improved?
  • orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not look for a piso. I chose a residence prior to getting there and realized that all the people were struggling finding a place to live as they were dealing with jetlag and orientation.

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:

Markets and the Environment
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: David Carlos Castellvi
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The content is challenging, but the professor explains problem sets really well.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not tried but I know that this course has been taken in previous years.
Course Name/Rating:

Society and the Environment
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Mercedes Pardo Buendia
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Not challenging at all, virtually no work and only one final paper.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Film and Television in Spain
Course Department: Film
Instructor: Juan Carlos Ibañez
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Not challenging but not easy. You learn a lot in this class about spanish culture and easy. This professor is great and helps international students a lot. I definitely recommend it.
Credit Transfer Issues: