A necessary challenge January 25, 2024
By A student (Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/24/2023 to 12/22/2023 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid
It was definitely worthwhile - I gained a level of wordliness and independence that I did not possess prior, and it was the best and fastest way to improve my language comprehension skills
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes at the University Carlos III were extremely challenging with little academic support. The classes at the Sede Prim were excellent with much academic support/ |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was extremely invested in the well-being and success of all students enrolled in the program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was very lucky both with respect to my location and housemates. However, Middlebury's heavy restrictions with respect to housing can make the process uncomfortable and unpleasant. I was one of few who was able to secure an apartment that fit their standards. |
| * Food: |
I cooked for myself, food was not provided by the program |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very, Middlebury's MADLOCO kept students updated on cultural events occurring in the city and the administration encouraged us to integrate to the best of our abilities. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program leaders were extremely attentive but there was little leeway with respect to personal health and wellness. If you wanted to skip class you had to get a doctors note, which did not feel very inclusive for those suffering from hidden illnesses. |
| * Safety: |
The city was very safe and easy to navigate for someone who has spent time in an urban center prior. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
It was extremely difficult academically toward the end, but I achieved all of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of my program and was able to maintain my academic standing. |
Finances
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* 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 is a very affordable city |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe 150? |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Taking advantage of cheap groceries and student discount on travel. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We took a language pledge to only use spanish |
| 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 level |
| 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? | Lean into discomfort with respect to the language, especially when in academic settings |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The level of academic rigor and independence that was necessary to achieve high marks at the external spanish universities (Carlos Tercero, Autonoma, etc.) |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
La Historia Económica |
| Course Department: | Economics |
| Instructor: | Antonio Tena |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | It was challenging. Did not use location/field trips. Teacher was knowledgeable in material but not helpful outside of normal class hours. Exams were rigid and multiple choice. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No, this fills a direct middlebury requirement and was easy to transfer. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Progreso Económico en España |
| Course Department: | Economics |
| Instructor: | Pablo Martinelli |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | It was challenging but Pablo provided sufficient support and resources. Content was specific to spain making it highly relevant. I felt comfortable participating and was assessed via many different methods - exams, papers, presentations, etc. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Arte en el Museo del Prado |
| Course Department: | Art History |
| Instructor: | Ruth Gallego |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | Challenging and so interactive. Weekly trips to the famous Prado which allowed for complete immersion in the culture and content of the class. I was graded fairly via class participation, presentations, papers, and exams. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Conversaciones Avanzadas |
| Course Department: | Spanish |
| Instructor: | Carmen Cabello |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | Challenging and so useful. Very relevant content to spain as well as Madrid. Teacher was amazing and encouraged everyone to participate. Graded based on varied and fair assignments |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | no |
