Past Review
By Kennedy K (International Relations and Affairs., Tufts University) for
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid
Yes. Fluency in a second language, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of internationalism.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Full-Year 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I cannot imagine a program that would have taught me more about the Spanish language, especially during the semester of Masters courses I took. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrative staff was incredibly helpful and supportive, while still allowing me to be highly independent. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a 2-person apartment with my fiance, who is a Tufts grad and a native Spanish speaker. <br /><br /> It was outside the city, and I would have liked to be closer, but the apartment was large. |
| * Food: |
I learned how to cook. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I didn't really spend time with other Middlebury students outside of school. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Muggings are very common in Spain, but violent crime is not - just keep your eyes open. Middlebury provides more than adequate support, healthwise. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Excluding rent, utilities, and travel, about $100. $50 on groceries, $20 eating out, $5 cell phone, $15 for transportation pass, plus random expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cost of groceries was higher than I expected. Also, changing my flight home was very pricey. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Middlebury had a full-immersion program. A combination of extensive support for professors, intensive coursework, and the day-to-day experience of speaking and listening, I reached full fluency in the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared for a courseload that isn't much lighter than your home university. Also, follow the language pledge - it will make all the difference. |
