Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best semester of my college experience! February 06, 2023

By (Spanish, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/25/2022 to 12/23/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Getafe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish, learned about various European cultures, improved my communication skills, became more independent, and became more comfortable traveling without my family.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Communication
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? Watch shows on Netflix in Spanish.

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
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Madrid as a city
  • Easy access to visit other European countries
  • Madrid felt safe and had diverse food
* What could be improved?
  • Homestay accommodations
  • Shorter orientation period
  • Only 2 program-wide check-in meetings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I am more comfortable with planning trips (booking flights, tours, trains, buses, cars, etc.). I wish I would have known how to navigate deciding how many classes to take at the Sede vs. Getafe before the start of the program.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Communication
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Carmen Carballo Sanchiz
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

European Union
Course Department:
Instructor: Francisco Seijo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Sociology
Course Department: Sociology at Getafe
Instructor: Laura Lorenzo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Cultural Heritage
Course Department: Tourism at Getafe
Instructor: Ana Carro Rossell
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: