Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning Spanish in Spain Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/09/2019 to 12/06/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Getafe

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to learn spanish and gain insight into what life is like in Spain specifically, but Europe in general as well.

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.

* 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

The people of Madrid and Middlebury's advisors made the experience feel safe and enjoyable.

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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No, the experience is going to be expensive, even if you really try to save. And if you do try to save, you'll find yourself missing out on a lot of potential experiences.

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

It was enforced.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? 200
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? If you are fortunate enough to have family and friends that are spanish speakers, use them to further immerse yourself.

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?
  • Language
  • Food
  • Host family
* What could be improved?
  • Financial Aid
  • Course choosing process
  • Avant testing dates
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, I think going into a new country and learning to adapt to the unexpected was the fun part.

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:

Contemporary History
Course Department: History
Instructor: JOSE LUIS DOMINGUEZ LOPEZ
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Sociology
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Laura Lorenzo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

European Union
Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Francsico Seijo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Spanish Syntax
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Beatriz de Valle
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: