A Wonderful Immersive Experience with Great Food and Even Better Friends August 06, 2023

By John M (Film and Media Culture, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/19/2023 to 05/25/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Getafe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My experience was very worthwhile because it allowed me to achieve a level of immersion with my Spanish that, since the end of the program, has made me a lot more confident in my Spanish-speaking abilities. Additionally, in terms of being independent, I feel like I have grown substantially given that this experience was my first time traveling on my own in my life. It was definitely a hard adjustment, but I feel so much more confident in my abilities on the other end.

Review Photos

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Getafe Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	0-2 weeks

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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$150

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?	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?	Two 400 level Spanish courses
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
* 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?	The people -- Professors and other students were so welcoming and kind Food -- I was exposed to a number of different cuisine cultures within Madrid and loved being a part of that social culture around food Traveling -- My friends and I were able to travel all around Spain and create some long-lasting memories while taking in the rich culture of Spain
* What could be improved?	Orientation felt a little taxing -- it would be nice to have it broken up a bit because I felt a little exhausted come time to start classes I really can't think of anything else -- Everyone on the program was so delightful and helpful and supportive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I would have been more cognisant of the learning curve it takes to adapt to Spanish speakers. I had a really difficult time initially because I felt like I didn't understand what most people were saying because they were talking so fast and I wish I could have reminded myself that it will get better and is just a process that takes time.

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!