An unforgetablle and unique semester Past Review
By A student (Columbia University) - abroad from 01/15/2018 to 06/01/2018 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid
significantly improved my spanish. was able to travel throughout all of spain.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took the one Middlebury grammar course and three history courses at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (all in Spanish). Like any course, one had to do all required assignments and know the material, but grading was fairly easy and the amount of work (particularly at UAM) less than at Columbia. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great staff. They really care about the students' experience and try to help immerse you in Spanish in any way. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a residencia, or small private dorm of 15-20 ppl, which was excellently located and composed of only spanish students, which was a fantastic way to surround myself with spaniards. |
| * Food: |
The food at my dorm and university was fine. Cafeteria at university and cook who makes a communal meal at the dorm. However, Spanish food and restaurants are stellar. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Lived in a small dorm only with spanish students whom i got to know really well and took 3 of my four classes at the university so met lots of students there as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Had no particular issues. Easily bought allergy medication and sunburn lotion at the pharmacy. |
| * Safety: |
Madrid is a safe city. Use common sense. Don't be stupid. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Was able to take 3 courses at local uni; liked that the course at the midd center was a grammar course; really liked having the option to live in a small dorm |
Finances
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* 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) |
The cost of living, particularly food and rent, is a lot less in Madrid. However, if you plan to travel, expenses add up quickly even if you only take buses and sleep in hostels. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Travel within home country. Ton of culture and you can then take buses. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
It is required (and even if ppl tell you they spoke in english, it really is a shame not to speak the host languange whenever you can) |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | An upper level 4th yr history seminar in spanish |
| 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 either with a host family or in a small dorm with only local students (DO NOT live with americans, [and be careful with europeans, some really care about learing the language, others not so much]). Take normal classes at the local uni in that language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More spanish geography and history. |
