Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

What I was Hoping for September 01, 2026

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/14/2026 to 05/20/2026 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to gain more skills in adaptability and travel planning.

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.

For me, this program had the right level of intensity. I felt liked I learned a lot without being inundated.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They are so caring and knowledgeable. There are many resources at students' disposal.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did a host family. It felt safe but my family was not keen on forming a non-surface-level relationship.

* Food:

Some good stuff, just not my favorite overall. I did enjoy the grocery store experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went to a lot of cultural events and took one class at a local university, however being in a large cohort of US students did mean that I wasn't 100% immersed.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Amazing insurance, guidance, and resources.

* Safety:

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

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? 150

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • 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?
  • Support
  • Language-intensive
  • Travel grants
* What could be improved?
  • Host family involvement
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you want a social life with people your age live in the residence halls, but there are still benefits to host-families (more native Spanish)

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!