Lots of International Students In an Affordable City Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 06/10/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Cordoba, Spain

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely developed more solid language skills as well as made friendships with many international students. I do think it was worthwhile to live abroad--it opens a lot of doors and creates so many unique experiences. You're introduced to so many interesting people from different backgrounds.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I didn't think the classes taught at the Facultad we particularly engaging or intense. There is a different work-ethic in students among Spain, so classes aren't taken as seriously. I personally didn't have a lot of homework or exams (besides the final exams).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved the administrators. They were super kind and willing to help if any issues arose.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not like the first apartment I lived in. The apartment itself was fine but I found it almost impossible to connect with the four other Spanish students living there. The second semester was a lot better when I rented an apartment through Interasmundo. Here I lived with a group of international students who were having a similar experience to mine.

* Food:

I loved Spanish food. Very affordable, but sometimes a lot of emphasis on meat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program does a good job of introducing you to the city, especially with the two ayudantes who are there for you throughout the entirety of the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any particular experiences with healthcare. The program made sure support systems were available such as providing therapists through zoom.

* Safety:

A super safe, young city where a lot of Erasmus students decide to spend their year. I never felt in danger but I still liked to walk with a friend or two if I was traveling anywhere far at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

There were aspects I loved about the program such as affordability and ease of transport but I was still disappointed with the academic rigor. I did not feel a lot of pressure or support to thrive in my academics.

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)

Córoba is a very affordable/cheap city so I think it's a great place to live on a budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent a lot of money traveling, but food was very affordable. Probably about 120 Euros per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you want to be able to travel a lot I recommend studying in a city that is super affordable in terms of cost of living so you'll be able to put the rest of your money elsewhere.

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

A lot of encouragement at the beginning, but not much throughout. All our courses were in Spanish so this helped enforce the language pledge.

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? 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? Talk to Spanish students. I know it's hard but this is the best way you're going to learn. The average student isn't going to reach out to you, so you're going to have to make an effort to speak with them and forge friendships.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Affordable
  • Safe
  • Travel
* What could be improved?
  • Living Situation
  • Course Guidance
  • More in-depth orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that study abroad is pretty hard and you're going to have times that you really want to go home. Having friends around Europe makes the transition process a lot easier. I would definitely take advantage of travel opportunities!

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:

Ética y responsabilidad social

Course Department: Gestion Cultural
Instructor: Rafael Cejudo Córdoba
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Relatively easy class. I didn't find the professor super engaging. No field trips. I probably participated less than I would have at a home institution. There were a couple group projects/presentations near the end of the class that involved research and writing a group paper.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues
Course Name/Rating:

Territorio y Sociedad en España

Course Department: Filología Hispánica
Instructor: Pedro Dominguez Bascon
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Would not particularly recommend taking this class. I thought the professor was a bit racist as well as sexist. He had us color in maps and do a group presentation. Nothing else really.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues
Course Name/Rating:

El español como lengua extranjera

Course Department: Filología hispánica
Instructor: Francisco Javier Perea Siller
Instruction Language: spanish
Comments: This was an optative and probably my favorite class taken at the UCO. It wasn't too difficult, I would describe it like a basic English class but in Spanish. Good review of grammar, structure, and writing. Actually alternated between four different instructors which was pretty cool.
Credit Transfer Issues: Nope!
Course Name/Rating:

Lengua española y nuevas tecnologías

Course Department: Filología Hispánica
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I enjoyed this course. Lots of international students with a smaller class size than your typical course at UCO. Also an optative. The class was pretty chill but there was one final individual project/presentation at the end. The professor was really accommodating to international students.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues