Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Glad I did it, a couple things I might change for next time April 03, 2023

By (Spanish, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/29/2022 to 12/16/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Great language experience, culturla as well. Worthwhile without a doubt.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Good learning, great experiences with like-minded individuals. Should've planned a bit better on the whole (both trips and prep).

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)

Should've planned better for it but came out ok.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Book trips further in advance.

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? 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? 0300
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? Even if you think you don't need to use it, use it. Or try to.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Trying new things
  • Change of pace
* What could be improved?
  • Housing information
  • More cultural stipend
  • Stories from people that had gone previously
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring an extra suitcase for things to bring back.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary Spain Through literature and Culture
Course Department: SPAN
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Was challenging and made me think through literature in different ways. Also very philosophical. I'm a big fan of both professor and the material, and I believe my participation was on par with what I do at my home institution. I recommend this class.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/a