Time flies when you're having fun. July 10, 2022

By (Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/12/2022 to 06/03/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A lot about people and different cultures/world views

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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 loved it.

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? 200 with travel costs
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a spreadsheet, sneak shooters into the clubs, eat with host family as much as possible

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? 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 Level
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 with a host family

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?
  • My Spanish ability
  • The People
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • The adaptability of rules/regulations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, I'm glad I went in not knowing enough. It forced me to be flexible.

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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

European Union

Course Department: History
Instructor: Seijo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: He's a knowledgeable professor that builds great relations with his students.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Communication

Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Carmen
Instruction Language: Carballo
Comments: She is a passionate instructor that cares about the progress of the class as a whole.
Credit Transfer Issues: