Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lucia in Andalucia August 20, 2026

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/09/2026 to 06/19/2026 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Cordoba

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad and learning Spanish rewired my brain entirely. I felt like I could feel new neurons connect and new pathways form – it was unlike anything I've ever experienced. For me, the process of learning Spanish and then implementing it in daily life was endlessly invigorating. I've brought back the confidence acquired with being able to adapt to a new culture, lifestyle, education system, and do all of it in a second language.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found all of my classes to be enriching and enjoyable. All of my professors were willing to provide extra assistance and meet outside of regular class hours.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I could not have been happier with my host family and living arrangements, but I recognize that a lot of that is sheer luck.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Thanks to my close relationship with my host family I had many opportunities to socialize and converse with locals and other Andalusians. And of course, directly enrolling in the UCO allows you to experience for yourself what it is to attend a Spanish university as you are seated in classes surrounded by Spanish students and every lecture is naturally taught in Spanish. I will say that while in Cordoba I found it difficult to make friends with Spaniards my age, or break out of the Middlebury/Erasmus bubble. I am sure I could have taken more initiative in forming these friendships, but I don't think any of the seven of us had much success finding friends our age. Perhaps some programming with this objective in mind would be helpful in the future.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I only had one experience with healthcare and it was rapid and easily accessible. And Kim accompanied me to the hospital!

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Cordoba, even when walking alone at night (although I probably shouldn't have been doing so).

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

Yes, in a heartbeat, because my experience was rigorous and immersive, and yet (somehow) simultaneously so relaxed and so fun!

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)

Spain – especially when compared to the U.S. – was really quite affordable. Even a nice dinner never added up to much. I tried to eat in quite a bit because I was paying for pension completa, but when I ate out it was normally reasonable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe 45-60 euros?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Order a tinto instead of an aperol spritz.

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? 300-level courses at Middlebury.
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? Live with a host family!!!!!!!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • My living accomodations (host family)
  • My professors
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Opportunities for internships
  • Opportunities to befriend local Spanish students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To start studying for my exams much sooner.

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

Course Name/Rating:

Grammar Class
Course Department: UCO Idiomas
Instructor: Maria Jesus
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This course was incredibly fast-paced but in a way that I love – it didn't allow you any time to stop and consider how much work you were doing and how much content was being thrown at you. Maria Jesus' explanations were clear and extremely effective – she elucidated grammar rules that I had never understood or in some cases, never taken note of.
Credit Transfer Issues: I am not sure yet, because only two of my classes (the Middlebury-Cordoba classes) show up on my transcript. But so far so good!