Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., Tufts University) for

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Madrid

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. Fluency in a second language, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of internationalism.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Full-Year 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I cannot imagine a program that would have taught me more about the Spanish language, especially during the semester of Masters courses I took.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrative staff was incredibly helpful and supportive, while still allowing me to be highly independent.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a 2-person apartment with my fiance, who is a Tufts grad and a native Spanish speaker. <br /><br /> It was outside the city, and I would have liked to be closer, but the apartment was large.

* Food:

I learned how to cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't really spend time with other Middlebury students outside of school.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Muggings are very common in Spain, but violent crime is not - just keep your eyes open. Middlebury provides more than adequate support, healthwise.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? Excluding rent, utilities, and travel, about $100. $50 on groceries, $20 eating out, $5 cell phone, $15 for transportation pass, plus random expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cost of groceries was higher than I expected. Also, changing my flight home was very pricey.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
Language acquisition improvement?

Middlebury had a full-immersion program. A combination of extensive support for professors, intensive coursework, and the day-to-day experience of speaking and listening, I reached full fluency in the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared for a courseload that isn't much lighter than your home university. Also, follow the language pledge - it will make all the difference.