An incredible semester Past Review
By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/12/2018 to 05/18/2018 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Getafe
I learned how to adapt to a new environment and embrace independence. I also learned how to use public transportation. 100% worthwhile experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Overall, I am very glad that I chose to do a homestay. Be aware that many Spaniards have struggled financially as a result of the crisis. Unsurprisingly, many families have become host families for abroad students. From my own experience and what I have heard from others, I'd say that most families in the program are in it for extra income yet still genuinely care for their host students. I always felt like I was in good hands with my host family. That said, living conditions were definitely different from what I'm used to in the States. For example, my room was so small that I could touch opposite walls when I was lying in bed, and my shower did not have a shower curtain or even something to support the shower head. At the same time, I adjusted quickly, and these things did not seem like such a big deal. It's also worth noting that many home-stays are far away from the center of Madrid and Getafe. My homestay friends and I all had at least an hour commute to Getafe. |
| * Food: |
My host mom's food was incredible. Expect a diet that includes lots of ham and cheese. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Social and cultural integration is up to the student. You can be as integrated as you want to be. Madrileño culture is very friendly and open to all types for the most part. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick a few times and had no problem going to the doctor. Medicine seemed cheaper in Spain than in the US. |
| * Safety: |
Madrid is a really safe city. I never felt in danger. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
As a Middlebury student, I did not have the ability to choose a different program in Madrid. If I weren't a Middlebury student, I would have chosen the Tufts program or Wesleyan/Vassar program, which have better housing options and host more events (such as weekend trips and dinners) for their students. |
Finances
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* 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) |
I spent very little on food because I ate nearly all meals with my host family. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| 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? | Reach out to classmates at UC3M. Most are settled into friend groups and are used to international students coming and going every semester, but many are interested in learning more about American culture. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That grades for UC3M courses are almost entirely based on final exams. The finals can be tough but are certainly doable. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Economic History |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Sergio Roche |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | We had weekly quizzes/evaluations based on dense texts. We also had two essays and an oral presentation. Definitely my most hands-on university course at UC3M. If you put in the work, you will do well. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
