Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pretty fun despite the pandemic! January 13, 2021

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/15/2020 to 12/22/2020 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Getafe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish a great amount and I made friends for life. The program was definitely worthwhile.

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.

I enjoyed my time in Madrid despite the pandemic. Middlebury School in Spain made me feel taken care of and safe I just wish I had been able to take one of the classes normally offered by Middlebury staff. Classes at UC3M were very different from what I am used to but I liked all of my professors and the classes were definitely easier.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at Middlebury School in Spain were so knowledgeable and happy to help with everything. They make sure to check up on you once every few weeks.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was absolutely incredible! She made really good food and definitely helped improve my Spanish.

* Food:

Loved the food my host mom made and the restaurants in Madrid are sooo good!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because of the pandemic, it was extremely hard to make friends with my classmates. However, I was able to make Spanish friends through the intercambio program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the doctor once during my stay in Madrid. I had a great experience, the doctor spoke English and was very helpful. It was surprisingly easy to book an appointment and get it covered by GeoBlue (the insurance I had in Madrid).

* Safety:

I always felt safe walking around Madrid at any hour of the day.

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

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? Did not keep track..

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

Because of the pandemic, Middlebury decided to remove the Language Pledge for the semester and we were allowed to speak English with all staff members. That said, they definitely encouraged us to speak Spanish and were more than happy to practice with us.

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 at Middlebury.
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? Get an intercambio!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The intercambio program
  • Middlebury School in Spain staff
* What could be improved?
  • I wish there wasn't a pandemic
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would spend a surprising amount of time by myself.

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:

Sociedad y el medioambiente
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Mercedes Pardo Buendia
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Mercedes is AMAZING! She makes an effort to get to know everyone and loves to hear your opinion about everything. Definitely take this class!!
Credit Transfer Issues: .