A nontraditional but rewarding semester in Chile. Past Review
By Alyson (Amherst College) - abroad from 07/24/2019 to 12/15/2019 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Santiago
I think I definitely grew as a person and learned to become more independent and confident during my semester abroad. I also obviously improved greatly in my Spanish language skills from the expectation that we used the language at all times while abroad. In my experience specifically with the civil unrest and protests that occurred while I was there, I also feel that I learned a lot more about the history and current political/social structure of Chile and also about social movements in general. I think that the protests helped open my eyes to the inequality that is present not only in Chile but in every country. I felt inspired by my experience abroad and hope to take the lessons I have learned from my time there with me as I move on in whatever direction my future takes me.
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? |
Did not have any health issues while I was away so it is difficult to determine the quality of health care. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe for the most part other than the areas affected by the protests. I lived in a safe area and our program made sure that we avoided areas that were unsafe during the protests. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I really enjoyed my time abroad and wouldn't change the experience I had if I had the option. I think the unusual experience of being in Chile during a historical moment of social movement and civil unrest was a very valuable lesson and made my time abroad even more meaningful. I also feel that I developed many close relationships that I am very grateful for and would not be the same person today without having had this experience. |
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) |
Food was included in money paid to host family, but I often went to coffee shops to study (because the library was not located near my apartment) which ended up costing me a bit more than I would have hoped. Prices are pretty comparable to United States. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to plan public transportation trips well (going to places near each other at the same time) because it can add up if you are going to various places around the city in one day. I would also recommend eating as much food from the host family as possible (buying less out) since you are already paying for this in your housing. |
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 |
We were expected to sign and follow a language promise during the entire 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? | 300 level Spanish 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? | Make local friends and spend time with your host family. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would have known how difficult the first few months of living abroad would be. I struggled and felt very homesick for a while, which I was not expecting. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
