Best experience ever! April 06, 2022

By (Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/23/2021 to 12/23/2021 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Spanish improved, I made friends, I traveled. It was amazing.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

I was extremely incompatible with the woman I was put with BUT Middlebury handled it very well, supported me, and helped me throughout the process.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Middlebury was SO helpful when it came to insurance issues, getting health care, paying for healthcare, etc.

* Safety:

Madrid is an incredibly safe city! I never once felt unsafe.

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

I loved Middlebury and I loved Madrid. Great program, great city.

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? I had meals included in my homestay except lunch so maybe 50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Not really

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

Middlebury has a strong 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? Not sure how to answer this. I've taken lots of classes and seminars in Spanish
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? Watch TV shows, listen to music, try to make friends with locals

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
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 pledge
  • Amazing classes
  • Organized program
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt well informed

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Arte en los Museos

Course Department: Art History
Instructor: Ruth Gallego
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Amazing! One of the best courses I've ever taken
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A