Culturally stimulating Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/01/2017 to 12/18/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Getafe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned increased independence and I got to explore many different cultures. 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.

* 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? No

I might choose to go to Barcelona instead if it was possible

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Honestly not sure, maybe 80 bucks
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat big breakfast if staying with host family and maybe pack a lunch? On weekends try to eat one meal at home at least because you spend more for dinners and lunches on weekends and going out

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? Fluent
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? 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? Get spanish friends!!

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
  • 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?
  • The host school
* What could be improved?
  • More clarity from beginning when it comes to locations and strategic advice
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I really liked my host mom but the area wasn't that great and I would have preferred being in the center of the city.

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:

Cine y television en espana

Course Department:
Instructor: Juan Carlos Ibanez
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Not hard at all, instructor was very nice and accommodating. Just one written in class final exam of just one question and also an essay halfway through. I recommend this class!
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Estado de Bienestar

Course Department:
Instructor: Maria de la Paloma
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Very interesting class. A little tougher grader than I expected but not bad at all. Just like 7 reviews on articles with some analysis due at the end and besides that just group projects
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Spanish Politics

Course Department:
Instructor: Calvillo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Not too difficult, professor is very understanding and final wasn't too hard. Just final and a few group projects
Credit Transfer Issues: