Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Madrid es el centro del universo August 06, 2023

By (History, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/12/2023 to 06/02/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a ton of language skills, but I also gained a lot of independence by living alone and having to be in charge of all my own cooking, groceries, budgeting, etc

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.

I thought it was the perfect amount of rigor. It was definitely challenging, but in a good way.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The team at the Sede was so helpful! Especially during my housing search. They were all so kind and prepared and knowledgeable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment search process in Spain was a great way to get to know the city! And I loved my apartment and roommates.

* Food:

I was in charge of all my own food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with Spanish roommates really helped me feel connected to the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt so safe in Madrid. I do know a lot of people who got pickpocketed, but it didn't happen to me personally. I always felt safe in the metro and walking late at night.

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

I loved Madrid and I especially loved taking classes at the Autónoma.

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)

I was able to live easily on a student's budget, especially compared to the US.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I paid 50 euros a week in housing, and probably 50 euros a week for groceries.

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

The goal was to speak in Spanish 80-100% of the time.

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? 0400 level Spanish course at Middlebury
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The city
  • The UAM classes
  • Traveling in Spain
* What could be improved?
  • I didn't love my gender class at the Sede
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had made more of an effort to meet/talk to students in my UAM classes at the beginning of the semester

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Historia de la roma imperial
Course Department: Facultad de filosofia y letras- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I LOVED this course!! I learned so much and it completely changed the way I view not only Rome, but ancient history and history in general. The professor was incredible, I really recommend any classes she teaches!
Credit Transfer Issues: