Inolvidable - my unforgettable semester in Spain Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/13/2016 to 05/31/2016 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In a nutshell I am definetly not the same person I was back in January. I am much more independent, have gone through very challenging experiences that I never thought I could handle (ie being hospitalized in a country I don't speak the language while traveling), and I have learned many important things about myself, what I want to do with my life, and what I value

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took 2 semester classes and 2 term classes for a total of 3. I originally had four but had to drop one due to illness/hospitalization. Overall, it was super easy compared to our Wellesley workload.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Middlebury Schools Abroad staff in Spain is the absolute best!!!! :D

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a Residencia, with other students, in my case the majority were spaniards. It was very convenient because everything was provided: wifi, cleaning, laundry, food

* Food:

Not really a fan of spanish cuisine

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really could have done a better job at integrating, but Madrid is a great great great city to be in!! Definitely recommend it :)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick and was hospitalized while on a weekend trip to Paris. I used the insurance provided by Middlebury and everything went smoothly. Even once I got back to Spain and had to keep going to the doctor it was al very easy.

* Safety:

Felt super safe, my whole time abroad.

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

I would do it again for the staff - they were wonderful. Not for the academics but it's all part of the experience.

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)

It's super necessary to budget and calculate your costs, especially planning your trips in advance and how much you can/are able to spend in each place

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food/meals were covered by my housing situation so I just spend money on coffee sometimes before class or dinners with friends; 30 euros max each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget budget budget

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

Language Pledge

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? Native speaker, took a 300 level seminar before going abroad in the language
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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
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?
  • Middlebury staff
  • MADRID
  • MADRID
* What could be improved?
  • academics could be more challenging
  • housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How different the university system/teaching style in Spain is compared to the states

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!