Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad

I lived with a host family during my time in Madrid with Middlebury College. It was amazing and I loved my host family. They cooked the best meals and cared a lot about me. I still am in contact with them. :) As much as it was challenging, the grammar class helped me perfect my Spanish whereas, in the other classes, I was using my Spanish and learning about a variety of subjects. These courses were very interesting and gave us the chance to immerse ourselves more in Spanish Culture with classes on the anthropology of Spain, literature and art of Spain, Arte del Museo del Prado, and more. Most importantly, I improved my Spanish so much and feel so comfortable in it. I loved this program and would have stayed for a second semester if I could!

Middlebury will take your language skills to the next level and vastly improve them. By only speaking Arabic through the Language Pledge, I began to understand the nuances that full immersion can help with, making unforgettable cultural connections with people. The professors were incredible and supportive during all steps of the journey, and challenging myself daily helped me reach new heights with Arabic. The staff were kind and planned many events for us to attend and participate in while also giving us the freedom to explore on our own. I loved my host family, who truly exemplified Jordanian hospitality and treated me like I was part of their circle from the beginning. It is hard to not fall in love with Jordan, and Middlebury is the perfect backdrop for the journey.

I originally applied to the Middlebury School in Florence for one semester. However, after two weeks in Italy, I loved it so much that I decided to stay for the entire year. Middlebury's approach to language immersion is challenging, but it also pushed me to build a life in Florence outside of the study abroad bubble. Whether I was enrolling in courses at the University of Florence or moving in with an Italian friend I met first semester, this program gave me the freedom to create the study abroad experience that I wanted. Middlebury is the reason I left Florence with fluency and friendships that I will keep for the rest of my life.