Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning to love Valparaíso Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/22/2019 to 07/15/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I stepped out of my comfort zone every time I went to a new activity or decided to spend time exploring the city. I didn't notice at first, but my Spanish listening and speaking skills have improved and I can understand/speak the unique Chilean jargon. I would say that this is one of the outcomes that I am most proud of.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Student strikes did interfere with academic rigor.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I love the directors of the program. Only suggestion is the addition of more staff members to accommodate the growth of the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love my host family and the cultural/language immersion that I have with them.

* Food:

Chilean food can be a bit bland, but overall my host family provides great meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Robberies can happen in Valparaíso as it is a tourism center. But I feel that I have been well-prepared through the program´s orientation.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The Middlebury program is very well-structured in the experience that it hopes to provide its students. Through elements such as internships, home-stays, and the Language Pledge, I feel that I met my goal of immersing myself in a new culture and language.

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)

My biggest expense was housing (all three meals provided) with my host family (+$500/month).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Transportation ($60/month)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Register for the National Student Card to save money on transportation.

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

I had a Language Promise that states that I would not speak in English for the duration of the semester.

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? SPAN 274
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? Do not spend the majority of your time with other study abroad students. Engage in activities that will promote more interaction with Chileans.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • 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?
  • Assisting a local church
  • Traveling to different cities in Chile
  • Learning to navigate the transportation system
* What could be improved?
  • More consistent meetings for culture class
  • Support network for Asian-American students studying abroad
  • More personal check-ins
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I'm not sure...

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!