Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Taking Risk, Independence & Adventures August 02, 2023

By (Int'l & Global Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/18/2023 to 05/12/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent and more confident in myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors were dedicated and engaging. I especially liked the Masters level course as it was challenging and informative.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The cultural coordinator, was such a helpful and supportive resource. My experience with the director was decent, but I have observed that she is a bit authoritative during times of hardship or confusion.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely loved my host family. My host parents were both delightful, warm, and supportive throughout my entire stay.

* Food:

At times, the food at my homestay felt insufficient to my diet (i.e. Salad with hard boiled egg, tuna with tomato, salad with brie cheese pieces). However, I had no trouble finding alternatives in the city.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While communicating with non-English speaking facilities was extremely difficult, the Middlebury Madrid team handled my health concerns so professionally and with support. She was most helpful with sharing counseling resources and discussing insurance logistics. She made reaching out feel a lot easier.

* Safety:

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

I would not do the program itself again, but I would recommend it to anyone who is up for a healthy challenge!

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? $80 to ~$120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget EARLY! Do not splurge during the first month and really think about whether you need things or not

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Level 300
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? Listen to music in the target language!

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

  • 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?
  • The people
  • The professors
  • My host family
* What could be improved?
  • Communication w/ directors
  • Transparency
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That saying yes to more things is awesome!

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:

Migraciones, diversidad cultural e integración social en España.
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: YES. Very challenging. The professor was extremely knowledgeable, though a bit inflexible to other opinions. I worked the hardest in this course, as each class was basically a seminar. Being unprepared felt wrong
Credit Transfer Issues: n/a
Course Name/Rating:

Español para los negocios
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: No, it was not challenging. The professor was incredibly kind, understanding, and engaging. She was approachable and while the course itself was not rigorous, the material was interesting in the context of Spain.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Géneros, sexualidades y otras “otredades” en el Estado español: Intersecciones, resistencias y alianzas.
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: It was not challenging. While the professor seemed unprepared for class at times, they led very interesting discussions and had engaging material to share with the class. I loved the collaborative aspect of each project we were assigned, and the professor excelled at making a safe classroom environment.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

SINTAXIS AVANZADA
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: While the professor was interesting and nice, the course was a bit messy.
Credit Transfer Issues: