Best 4 months of my life Past Review

By (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid) - abroad from 08/31/2017 to 12/17/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So worthwhile! I gained incredible confidence in speaking Spanish, new friends, and grew as a person.

Review Photos

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid Photo Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid Photo Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid Photo

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries every Monday and cook during the week so you have more flexibility to splurge on the weekends if you want or need to. Going out to certain clubs requires cover charges and drinks can be expensive at specific places.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 level course 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? Speak Spanish amongst friends and with native speakers!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People/Community
  • Freedom
  • Madrid as a place
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation
  • Housing search
  • Trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Going abroad is scary (even for me as a feb who has done a lot of traveling before) no matter where you go or when you do it. Have faith that things will naturally sort themselves out and don't get caught up in or stressed out by the logistical details that will be overwhelming in the beginning.

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.