A crazy and life-learning semester! Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/28/2014 to 11/27/2015 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the value of speaking a language, both in improving my own ability to communicate and in my ability to blend more into the culture and fabric of a community.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I enjoyed the majority of my classes, especially because my classes were focused on the anthropology, health and education systems in Chile.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt that the Middlebury program was incredibly organized and supportive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was my favorite part of my experience, and really was such a support system for me during my time here.

* Food:

The food in Chile is great! (especially the bread :)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did feel integrated with the local culture, but it was challenging at first to feel integrated and it was something that had to come from myself, that no one else would do for me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt health care was taken care of well. I got sick during the program, and was very well taken care of.

* Safety:

I felt very safe where I was living, and for the most part, very safe in Chile.

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 was able to live on a student's budget pretty well, but I definitely depended on the scholarship I received from Wellesley.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? 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

The program didn't mandate the foreign language requirement, but we all followed it.

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? SPAN 274: Cervantes in Africa
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? use the language all the time, even with your friends from the study abroad program.

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
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • the language pledge
  • the trips
  • my host family!
* What could be improved?
  • more social opportunities to meet Chileans outside of the university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As a woman, I wish someone who would have told me how Chileans will view and act towards white, American girls (catcalling on the streets) and to just be extra cautious as a foreigner and a female.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'