Came to learn Spanish, stayed because I fell in love with Chile(ans). Past Review

By (Philosophy, Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/17/2014 to 07/17/2015 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES. I have learned more about myself, about integrating myself into other cultures, about Spanish, and about Chile than I could have imagined. So many opportunities for future projects have also opened up here.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Excellent academic support according to the goal of the program: increase significantly fluency in Spanish. Great all-around cultural immersion and processing as a group to further learning of experiences. Directors and support staff very available and open to feedback. Many opportunities to further the learning and immerse yourself in Chile.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Lots of support, nice people. For me, in Valparaíso, there was a lot of support and contact with the director. I know it's a bit harder for people further away from Santiago.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a chilean family very interested in making sure I learned a lot (culturally and linguistically), and felt really at home in their house.

* Food:

In Chile, there's a ton of bread, which I don't do well with. But my host family has been good about providing vegetables (after I asked), and I can always buy my own produce super cheap in the outdoor markets twice a week.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Almost all of my friends are chilean, and I've found great groups of people through african drumming classes, trapeze classes and other activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Lines and waits are long in general for most things in Chile. I wasn't sure who to call when problems came up, but someone always offered to help me get to appointments or accompany me. The insurance that the program uses covers almost all in-country health expenses, so that is nice. Downside is having to pay a lot out of pocket and ask for reimbursements later because there was no direct agreement with the healthcare provider.

* Safety:

No worries in the more trafficked parts of town (Valparaíso). You just have to take care of your possessions like in any city and not go to the dangerous parts, like in any city. The main thing is to stay away from marches, as they often turn violent. But day-to-day is fine.

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)

I pay about $550/month on room and board. Other necessary expenses are mostly transportation-related. If I want to go out or buy myself food or presents for people, that's an added cost. Chile is pretty expensive for latin american countries, so the only things that are really cheaper here are produce (fresh food) in season and hand-made things, like artisan wool crafts, etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50/week, if averaging out weeks when I traveled and needed bus tickets
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy experiences, not things. Going out with friends, to concerts, to cultural events: yes. Buying a souvenir: no.

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

We make a pledge, but they don't talk about it enough. It is assumed we are only talking in Spanish, but there isn't enough reinforcement/ tips to make the transition more complete or more smooth.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 200-level
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Get yourself hooked on a TV series in your target language. Like pages for news sites (or other topical sites you're interested in) so they show up on your Facebook newsfeed. Keep trying to make friends from your host country, even if it's hard. Join groups of people with similar interests, and don't be afraid to try something new. Be friendly and smile so people want to be your friend.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • Focus on helping us learn Spanish, with support
  • Lots of ways to connect with people in Chile (cultural mentors, host families, tutors)
  • Strong connection with director who actively seeks feedback about the program
* What could be improved?
  • Better articulation of chain of command if there are problems
  • More conversation about the language pledge (no speaking English in-country) and how to better immerse ourselves
  • More integration between host families and the program as a whole, making them more a part of the support network
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Worry less about the classes, and more about collecting experiences. It's not letting things slide to prioritize language immersion (with chilean friends) over studying sometimes. Take advantage of those weekends, but don't forget that the host family is the single easiest way to get fluent.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.