An excellent semester of immersion! January 30, 2024

By (Chemistry and Latin American Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/26/2023 to 12/15/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to adapt to very different ways of doing school and living that were different. I was able to be less socially anxious as the Chilean students were incredibly welcoming and sweet.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I would be careful and follow common sense and local's advice but I did not feel unsafe durring my semester abroad

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)

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

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
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? ask questions about words and conjugations!! listen well and try to notice patterns or different expressions that may not exist in your 1st language

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?
  • Spanish practice
  • Cultural immesion
  • Museum visits
* What could be improved?
  • More academic guidence during course reg
  • Improved clarity about academic disability accomodations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To relax about academic choices- there is almost always some flexibility