It was a mind opening experience that I would have never had as a tourist. Past Review

By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/27/2019 to 07/15/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained very valuable experience speaking with native Spanish speakers that were my age. I learned lots about myself as well that I would not have gained were I not a Hispanic student. It was quite a worthwhile experience!

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	The on-site administration are amazing and go above and beyond to make sure that each of us are having the best experience possible.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	As a Hispanic student, I felt like I easily blended in the city which allowed me to understand Chilean culture and society through their eyes.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	The city is very safe and I did not ever feel uncomfortable in any way. Be sure to take a taxi or an Uber back home after 11pm!
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)	In Santiago, prices can be comparable to its counterpart in the US. The downtown area can be quite expensive so be sure to look elsewhere.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	~$35

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?	Fluent
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 301 (Advanced Spanish Grammar)
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?	Start speaking the language the moment you land in your host country's airport regardless of how insecure you feel of your speaking abilities. It should register the moment you get off the plane that no one is speaking English besides other foreigners. Do not be one of those students that tries to speak English throughout the orientation weekend.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family Apartment
* 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?	Amazing program administrators Fantastic program excursion Seeing a new country!
* What could be improved?	Consistent housing experience Support for students with financial need
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It is cold all the time in Santiago winters!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Acuarela
Course Department:	ARO
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Animación Desde Las Artes Visuales
Course Department:	ARO
Instructor:	Elgueta
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: