Program Reviews

I attended MIC Kunming in Fall 2015 and had an awesome experience. Kunming is a beautiful city and, while not nearly as modern or Westernized as Shanghai or Beijing, really does have a slower pace and greater focus on leisure that made my experience abroad a pleasant one. I had never been to China before coming to Kunming and had only studied Chinese for a few years, so I found the program particularly challenging but fulfilling. Academics were undeniably rigorous; more so than I anticipated and sometimes to the exclusion of being able to do anything but study characters, but my Chinese improved by leaps and bounds.The language pledge was frustrating at times and living in China is by no means easy for the uninitiated Westerner, but it is by all means worth the challenge.

I chose to go to Paris with the goal of improving my French; I got that and so much more! The host family program was fabulous- living with a French family gave me insights into the culture, and a change to practice a different type of French that what I learned in the classroom. The art and music in Paris is incredible also, and worth taking time to enjoy- there are incredible things to see and enjoy on basically every street. Spending months in the city helped me learn the different cultures of different areas.

I absolutely loved my time in Madrid. The staff members at the Sede Prim truly care about all of the students, and were there to support us throughout our entire experience. I took three classes at the Sede, and all of the professors were incredible - the classes were all only around six students! I appreciated the fact that the course content was all related to Spanish history and/or current events, which helped contextualize the place we were living. Madrid is also such a beautiful and vibrant city. The people were friendly, the food was delicious, and every day was a new adventure. I personally couldn't have thought of a better study abroad experience.

I loved my time abroad in Bordeaux with the Middlebury program. The only thing that I would change would be the housing situation. I would have much preferred to live with French students as roommates rather than living with a host family. I think the program could've integrated the host family element alongside a system of apartment living. Other than that, the program was absolutely amazing. I had fun!

I can't think of a better program to perfect your Spanish. Córdoba is small so you won't find many English speakers-which does kind of force you to keep the language pledge. The city is steeped in art history, so that's a great subject to pursue here. Finding apartments was challenging, and not all landlords are up front about the living experience they're offering. It's not the most hopping Spanish city, so I got some cabin fever (coming from NYC) but it's certainly one of the most beautiful.

The Middlebury School in Madrid (Sede Prim) is a great program with a wonderful staff. Studying abroad is incredibly fun, but also very challenging in many aspects (logistics, culture shock, academics, etc). The staff at Sede really made Madrid feel like home from day 1. Because they have the graduate students at the same school, there was time for interaction with them which made the experience even better. I took all my courses at Sede. They were extremely challenging but manageable and I definitely improved my writing and speaking abilities. I would highly recommend this program!

One of the greatest parts about my experience at the Getafe program was the change of pace in both academic and social life. Living in a big city like Madrid and being forced to experience new situations (both positive and negative) brought on an immense amount of growth. The teaching staff at Getafe were very kind and accommodating to study abroad students, and the corresponding Middlebury staff at Sede were very helpful and informative in their guidance. If you're looking for some independence and a fresh take on academia, I highly recommend.

Coming form a public university, I had already reached a point where I needed something else, something extra to enhance my Chinese language ability. I decided to take the plunge and study for a year in Beijing with Middlebury, and it was the best decision I could have ever made. It was obvious off the bat that the teachers really cared about you succeeding and growing as a Chinese speaker.

Zhang Laoshi is the academic director, as well as the father figure of Middlebury Beijing. He is an amazing teacher and is able to cater to students of any language level. The rest of the teachers are also amazing, and are very willing to talk and interact outside of class.

The local roommates are likely the best part of the program. I learned so much while sharing some Korean takeout or talking late into the night with my roommate. It opens up a whole new level of language as well as cultural understanding, and also creates a lifelong friendship.

I left feeling that I had not only greatly enhanced my skills in Chinese, but that I also had gained the tools to improve on my own. Entering the program, Chinese was the language I studied. Afterwards, I could confidently say that Chinese was my second language.

This is the best study abroad program in Jordan if you want to learn Arabic. Immersion really helps with your conversation skills and also your confidence. The staff was great and they will help you with anything, but you do have to take initiative and ask questions. One of my favorite parts of the program was the weekend trips; we explored some really amazing places in Jordan from Wadi Rum in the south to Aljoun in the north. Academics were challenging because they were all taught in Arabic, but I preferred that. If you get a chance, take Yousef Hamdan's literature class. At once the hardest and most rewarding part of the program for myself.

Here's what you need to know about this program: It is what you make it. You can spend your days inside, counting the days until you get to go home. Or you can go out, deal with some of the stress of living in Yaounde, and have some amazing adventures. This is not like a SIT program where someone will hold your hand and ensure that you have a "great experience." If you embrace, and exploit, the freedom of the Middlebury program, you can have a better abroad experience than you would on any SIT program.

I've spent time elsewhere in Africa (The Gambia and Rwanda) and Cameroon is my favorite country in Africa. First of all, it is safe! (Unless, of course, you go to the Extreme North. But in the South of the country, things are completely normal.) Second, it is accessible. Transport around the country is actually quite good, so you can get out and travel around. Third, Cameroonians are cool people. Sure, there are some folks who want to mess with the foreigners, but I only ever encountered good-natured heckling. I never felt threatened by someone. But by and large, Cameroonians are interesting, laid back, and sweet people. And on the Middlebury program, you have lots of opportunities to get to know Cameroonians.

If you are after an experience that will enable you to really plunge into Africa, this program is the best that I know of.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!