Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The only American in a small Spanish city. August 29, 2023

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Claremont McKenna College) - abroad from 08/29/2022 to 06/26/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Logrono

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a ton of Spanish and understood very deeply how countries and cultures can vary and perceive the world in different ways. While it was difficult, it was most definitely worth while, and I'd do it again in a heartbeart.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

I was looking for a program in a small, intimate community where the population didn't (couldn't) speak in English. My goal was to achieve a Spanish level close to fluency, and I thought Middlebury's program in Logroño was perfect for that.

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? 75 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking saves you more money and avoid bars if saving money.

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? Spanish 102
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? Ask Chat GPT to have conversations with you and ask it to correct your grammar.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • I loved the city and being able to walk everywhere.
  • I loved attending a local university and living from the perspective of an actual Spaniard.
* What could be improved?
  • There could have been more outreach from my home institution.
  • There could have been more local staff.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how lonely it could get as the only American, and on the flipside, how that feeling wouldn't last forever while there either.

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.'