Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Finding yourself February 14, 2023

By (International Politics & Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/05/2022 to 12/15/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Gained confidence in my spanish and motivation to continue learning the language

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.

I felt challenged in a healthy manageable way. Sometimes, I wish I had less work so I could have more time to explore Spain. My only complaint is my grammar course which was overwhelmingly difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Please refer back to the last page.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I adored my host mommy but she was low key crazy and my living standards were relatively poor compared to my peers. I did not like how much she talked about money with me and emphasized her financial dependency on the money I gave her for living with her. It made me uncomfortable at times.

* Food:

Interesting; I wish there was an option for one meal a day

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very well immersed and find local activities to partake in every week.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very easy to navigate and accessible

* Safety:

So safe

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Best program for improving the language

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)

Madrid was relatively cheap compared to the US and other european cities but I have never spent more money in my life, but that is also because I go to a university where I do not need to spend money for food and travel regularily.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save beforehand

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 24/7

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? 300
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Befriend locals

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
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
  • no class fridays
  • tutor
* What could be improved?
  • admin
  • attendance policy
  • acceptance of traveling
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Stress of organizing travel

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Sintaxis Avanzada
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Beatriz de VALLE
Instruction Language: SPANISH
Comments: Way too difficult and confusing...if everyone in the class is confused and even the tutor gets homework wrong, there is an obvious disconnect. Administration did nothing to support students with their demands with this particular professor.
Credit Transfer Issues: