Inolvidable - my unforgettable semester in Spain Past Review
By Ivonne (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/13/2016 to 05/31/2016 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid
In a nutshell I am definetly not the same person I was back in January. I am much more independent, have gone through very challenging experiences that I never thought I could handle (ie being hospitalized in a country I don't speak the language while traveling), and I have learned many important things about myself, what I want to do with my life, and what I value
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 took 2 semester classes and 2 term classes for a total of 3. I originally had four but had to drop one due to illness/hospitalization. Overall, it was super easy compared to our Wellesley workload. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Middlebury Schools Abroad staff in Spain is the absolute best!!!! :D |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a Residencia, with other students, in my case the majority were spaniards. It was very convenient because everything was provided: wifi, cleaning, laundry, food |
* Food: |
Not really a fan of spanish cuisine |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really could have done a better job at integrating, but Madrid is a great great great city to be in!! Definitely recommend it :) |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick and was hospitalized while on a weekend trip to Paris. I used the insurance provided by Middlebury and everything went smoothly. Even once I got back to Spain and had to keep going to the doctor it was al very easy. |
* Safety: |
Felt super safe, my whole time abroad. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would do it again for the staff - they were wonderful. Not for the academics but it's all part of the experience. |
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) |
It's super necessary to budget and calculate your costs, especially planning your trips in advance and how much you can/are able to spend in each place |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Food/meals were covered by my housing situation so I just spend money on coffee sometimes before class or dinners with friends; 30 euros max each week |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget budget budget |
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 |
Language Pledge |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
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? | Native speaker, took a 300 level seminar before going abroad in the language |
How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How different the university system/teaching style in Spain is compared to the states |
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 LinguistYou 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! |