Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spanish Immersion Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/27/2018 to 12/15/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Spanish skills improved dramatically and I also learned a great deal of independence.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

I would do the same program but take 2 classes at Sede Prim and 2 at Getafe instead of 1 and 3.

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? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? cook at home

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? 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? 301
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? live in a homestay and always speak the language with your friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • staff
  • schedule
  • help with navigating the university classes
* What could be improved?
  • orientation
  • hours of availability for tutoring - there were not enough
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I lived in an apartment instead of a dorm

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:

Society & the Environment
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Mercedes
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary History
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Beatrice
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Social Policy & Welfare State
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Paloma
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Span. Communication I
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Carmen
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: