Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  Is this program eligible for immersive learning funding?

A: Yes. Students may apply for immersive learning funding.  This opportunity falls under Tier 3 of the Immersive Professional Learning Funding Guidelines. Apply by November 1st or December 1st to be considered for an award of $1,000 to offset the costs of this practicum.

 

Q:  Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for this program?

A:  Yes, Spanish language experience at the intermediate level or higher is required for this program.  Language is required to respect Middlebury’s Language Pledge at Sede Prim and engage with staff, students and community members throughout the program.  While Middlebury staff in Madrid do speak English, students take a language pledge, thus onsite orientation sessions and materials are in Spanish, which we will be participating in as part of the program. Additionally, all conversations with Middlebury study abroad students must be held in Spanish.  Some site visits will be held in Spanish as well.

Q: I need to take 4 credits in the J-Term, will I be able to take a class before or after this program?

A: You will not be able to take any other J-Term courses at MIIS as the program dates encompass the full term.  You will want to consider adding credits in the Fall and Spring semesters to ensure you have sufficient credits.  Please discuss details with your CACS advisor.

Q:  Is the group traveling together to/from Madrid?  What are the travel dates for this program?

A:  Given this program will start shortly after the winter break, participants will be scattered about and will want to fly from various airports.  You will need to arrive in Madrid on January 4th in time for an evening group welcome meal.  The program will end on the 25th and students may depart at anytime on the 25th, though you will need to check out of housing by early afternoon. Once the group is finalized, feel free to coordinate with each other to travel together if you prefer.

Q: Will I be picked up/dropped off at the airport?

A:  No – in true study abroad form, you will navigate yourself to your accommodations upon arrival.  Instructions will be provided. Taxis, buses, metro are readily available from the Madrid airport.  The group will convene the evening of the 4th for a welcome dinner and to kick off the program.

Q: What is the cost of the program?

A:  There is a $1600 program fee for participation in the January program to Madrid to cover program related expenses.  In addition, you will need to pay for your airfare and tuition (2 credits) and personal expenses.

Q: What’s covered by the program fee?

A:  Shared accommodations (shared rooms); some meals including: arrival & farewell group meals, a weekly group meal; weekly metro transportation passes (central zone); one daytrip outside of Madrid; multiple weekly site visits/transportation to local providers or universities; guest speakers; IDI and group assessment, and 2 – 3 cultural activities (e.g. cooking class).

Q:  What additional costs do I need to consider?

A:  Here is a budget breakdown.

Spain
Dates Jan. 4-25
Vaccinations & Prescriptions 0
Visa a/o Edit/Entry Fees/Tourist Card 0
Third Party Program Fee (Logistics, Room & Board may be included) NA
MIIS Program Fee 1600
Lodging inc.
Food (not included in program fee) 350
Local Transportation/Site Visits/Flight inc.
Airfare 1175
Airport Transportation 150
Misc. (snacks, meals not covered by program fee, toiletries, etc.) 150
Total 3425

Additionally, you will need to provide your own towels (or bring with you) and may need to purchase some household supplies for your accommodations upon arrival.  You will have a kitchen in your housing and can prepare meals at home.  You may want to consider international calling/data plans for your time abroad, but it is not required.  Internet/Wi-Fi is available in the accommodations and at Sede Prim.

Q: What’s the schedule for the program?

A:  I’m still working out the details for the course syllabus and the program schedule.  Stay tuned for more information to come.   We will participate in some activities with Middlebury students (graduate and undergraduate) as part of their arrival and orientation. There will be 2 – 4 site visits to other programs weekly, but this is based on availability.  We will have a few meetings with staff from local study abroad organizations such as APUNE and EUSA as well.   Additionally, we will have group meetings/discussions/class a few times per week and a group meal weekly.   There will be some social and cultural activities included as well that may occur during night and weekend hours.  Anticipate full days and utilizing our time well in Madrid.

Q: Will I have any free time in Madrid?

A: Yes, though we will have a busy schedule, there will also be time planned in throughout the week to allow for you to schedule your own meetings, interview staff/students, work on your homework/projects and enjoy being in Spain.  Generally, nights and weekends will be free time for you as well, however, we will meet one evening during the week as a group to reflect and debrief on our experiences together and our daytrip outside Madrid may be planned on a weekend.  Some other activities may also be scheduled during other weekend or evening hours.

Q: Do I have to take Education Abroad Management (IEGM8610) before I can take this course?

A:  No, there is no per-requisite for the J-Term program.  It may help to have IEMG8610, but it does not impact your enrollment in the program.

Q:  Is there overlap with Education Abroad Management  – can/should I take both courses? 

A:  As both courses are focused on US study abroad, there will be some common themes. However, it is my goal that the course content will be complementary rather than redundant.  We focus heavily on the student and US administration roles in Ed Abroad Management, whereas we will focus on the onsite roles more directly for the J-term course.  The Ed Abroad Management syllabus (IEMG 8610) is available on GSIPM master course list for review.

Q: Will there be any time commitments or work required in the fall semester? 

A:  Yes, we will have a series of 2-  3 pre-departure meetings.  In preparation for the program abroad, you may have some short readings and may be asked to do some research on a partner organization that we will meet with while abroad, in order to be well-prepared for the experience.  You will also be facilitating elements of the pre-departure experience for your peers.  The pre-departure meeting dates will be finalized based on participant availability once the final list is complete.  Additionally, there is a required ICC workshop that will be held in Nov or early Dec.

Q: What is the work/homework load expected for this course?

A:  You may have some readings and advance preparation during pre-departure and will lead a pre-departure session for your peers.  Onsite, you will be completing small projects in teams for Sede Prim or other organizations related to managing education abroad programs from the US perspective.  The bulk of this work will be completed onsite, however, some advance preparation and some work post-program may be necessary.   You will also submit a comparative report and reflection paper upon program completion.

Q: Will there be any time commitments or work required after returning from Spain? 

A:  Yes, we will have a re-entry meeting and there will also be a community sharing Forum in which you present to the MIIS and IEM community the work you have done during the program.  There may also be a required ICC re-entry session (TBA).   Additionally, your final homework requirements are due after program completion.

 

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