Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Be ready to challenge your self. But it's worth it. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/29/2019 to 01/09/2020 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to not fear failure and discomfort. This is the closet way to rapid growth.

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.

It was definitely a challenge to learn in an non-native language, but it forced me to learn the language much faster.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Well structured support with a permanent office on site.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great homestay experience.

* Food:

Loved Spanish food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to join a local choir and traveled with them within Spain. However, it was very difficult to create local friends, especially at the Univesity.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues during the program.

* Safety:

Felt safe in general. I did not have any incidents.

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

Because the level of language immersion provided through Middlebury Schools Abroad is difficult to achieve in other studies abroad programs.

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)

Restaurants and bars can be expensive for students. If you budget well, it is manageable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of how much you spent.

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

We have to speak in Spanish during the entire duration of the program.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
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? 300
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? Always speak in your target language. Even with your friends from the program.

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
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?
  • Language Immersion
  • Attending local universities
  • Structured support
* What could be improved?
  • Concise orientation
  • More events organized by the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It almost never snows in Madrid

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:

Instituciones de Derecho International Público
Course Department: Facultad de Filosofía y Letras - Estudios Internacionales
Instructor: Dra. Soledad Torrecuadrada García-Lozano
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: It was very challenging as you need to have a certain level of fluency in Spanish to understand the content. The course consisted of a lecture and a discussion class, where the evaluation was based on 4 short exams, participation, and a final exam. The professor was knowledgeable about the topic and it was very interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Historia y Análisis de la Música del Renacimiento
Course Department: Facultad de Filisofía y Letras - Música
Instructor: Anna Margules Rodriguez
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The course was a lecture type consisting of two different aspects of renaissance music - history and analysis. The evaluation was based on papers and a final exam. The professors were very enthusiastic and I enjoyed taking the course.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Unión Europea y España: Desarrollo político comparado
Course Department: Spanish/Political Science
Instructor: Francisco Seijo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The course was a general introduction to the history and structure of the European Union through the lens of Spain. Although the course could have been much better structured, the content was interesting and I learned a lot. The evaluation was based on participation, two oral presentations, and two papers.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Sintaxis Avanzada
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Beatriz del Valle
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The course was designed to understand the language and culture at the same time. The themes of the written compositions were based on experiences in Madrid. The evaluation was based on written compositions, oral presentations, and exams. The structure of the course could have been clearer.
Credit Transfer Issues: