Really challenging but worth every struggle Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/22/2018 to 07/13/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be flexible and roll with the punches. There were many situations where you could easily become frustrated, but sometimes I had to choose to have a more positive outlook in order to learn from the experience and push myself forwards. I also learned that it's ok to depend on other people, in fact it's very normal and necessary -- and particularly in regards to language and improving speaking abilities, if you don't try (and inevitably make mistakes) you won't improve!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There are many aspects that are not in the program's control (i.e. protests, strikes), and so although there was not consistency in academic rigor from my particular host university, the program itself consistently provides some form of education through additional classes, tutoring, and countless resources to stay engaged throughout your time abroad.

* 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?

This was mostly difficult because much of the weight comes down on the individual to pe proactive and vulnerable, and so perhaps I could have done a better job with this on my own part -- I was only in Chile for 4 months, so it took some time to feel integrated but I would say my last few weeks there I was really beginning to feel comfortable and normalized with the local culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was very easily accessible! I was lucky because I was within walking distance of a large clinic, and my program advisors were able to accompany me throughout the entire process.

* Safety:

I would say there are certain precautions that students in Santiago can take to try to prevent safety-related incidents, but I will also say that many of these incidents are out of our control and unfortunately difficult to regulate. Avoiding speaking loudly in English in public places, leaving backpacks open, or general belongings unattended -- even walking with a cellphone or earphones visible in any way is certainly not recommended.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~75$ a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? budget it out - make a spreadsheet and allocate funds to specific things if you know you'll be making big spends later in the month. and watch how much money you spend on cups of coffee because that adds up.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 level course
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? Change your phone to Spanish - start watching shows in Spanish (Chilean shows if you can access them), and follow accounts on social media that reflect Santiago metropolitan area or Chile overall.

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
  • 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 Middlebury Schools in Chile team and their constant support.
  • Supplementary classes that were created in response to university strikes
  • Internship opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • perhaps some more flexibility with housing and the possibility to room with other students, rather than a strict host family policy.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish someone had pushed me to travel more while I was in Santiago -- I feel like there came a point where I felt too comfortable being in my room (which is a good thing!) but that held me back from being proactive and finding affordable flights or bus rides to more places even within Chile. Dropping a larger-than-normal amount of money on travel can be overwhelming but in retrospect, I think it would have been worth the while and I wish someone had strongly pushed me to do so.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Género y Etnicidad

Course Department: Antropología
Instructor: Victoria Berrios
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Migraciones Contemporáneas: El Racismo en Chile

Course Department: Interdepartmental
Instructor: Maria Tijoux
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

El Cine como Arte

Course Department: Instituto de Comunicación e Imagen
Instructor: Victor Muñoz
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: