Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A riveting peak into Madrid life! August 05, 2025

By (Art History, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/15/2025 to 05/27/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained independence and freedom! It was definitely worthwhile.

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 art history classes were very fun and rewarding!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators were all nice and helpful, but again, we’re very strict about certain rules. They were not willing to budge to help me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Belive, and overall it was good. I think I got mold poisoning from the room. If I were to go abroad again, I would get an apartment.

* Food:

The dining hall at belive was reasonable. I am vegan and sometimes they were not willing to accommodate my diet.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I spent most of my time alone in local museums, cafes, and cultural centers. I wish I could have volunteered, but no organizations accepted my applications.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to the doctor three times. The primary care physician was great; however, the ENT was disparaging and incredibly rude to me. I am still dealing with health consequences from my time abroad. The administrators at the program were not willing to work with me and help me out much. I had to outsource to the DRC.

* Safety:

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

I would choose the same program but would choose to live in an apartment and spend more time with friends.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to create a spending budget before you go!

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? Spanish 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? Do your language homework!

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Advancing language skills
  • Immersing myself in Madrid life
  • Proximity to museums
* What could be improved?
  • Strict administration rules
  • More local immersion
  • Dorm housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to live in an apartment. I may not be dealing with such health issues now.

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

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Generos y sexualidades
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Tradición y vanguardia
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Clase de español
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