Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Had the BEST semester of my life, as did just about everyone with me Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/21/2019 to 05/27/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Getafe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
100% worthwhile. Learned how to be self-sufficient in a foreign country where I barely spoke the language. Learned to push myself, make friends, learn a new language, dive into a new culture, meet so many amazing Spaniards, try the most AMAZING tapas... I could go on forever. If I ever have the opportunity to live in Spain after college, I will take it in a heartbeat.

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.

* 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

Truly had the most epic time. Would chose easier classes that didn't hurt my GPA, but I'd do everything else the exact same.

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)

Spain wasn't terribly expensive, but you have to be super mindful of how and when you chose to spend money otherwise you'll rack up quite the bill.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? A 300 level Spanish class.
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? Don't be embarrassed or nervous to try your Spanish. Practice is the only way to improve, locals will appreciate the effort, and learn to laugh at yourself.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I was with
  • The city of Madrid (the people and food)
  • The opportunity to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Midd teachers could be nicer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I was never going to want to leave. That the Spanish part got easier (I had a break down on the first day but things got better).

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Political Sociology
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Comments: Teacher rarely showed up, then gave us all B's.
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International Art Market
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Comments: Interesting material, teacher was super nice and not a hard grader.
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Contemporary History
Course Department:
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Instruction Language:
Comments: Incredibly interesting and challenging class. Ultimately a large time commitment and only a decent grade, but learned a ton.
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Art and Digital Culture
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Learned very little. Easy grader, though.
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