Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Valdivia Past Review

By (Universidad Austral / Austral University) - abroad from 03/08/2018 to 07/06/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valdivia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live independently and with housemates. This implies coordinating to figure out monthly expenditures, being conscious of bills and repairs around the house. I gained a profoundly deeper understanding of southern Chilean culture, and got to travel a ton for very cheap.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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:

I did most of my own cooking at home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not experience health issues other than normal head colds.

* Safety:

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? $30

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? Native setting
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? Speak with everybody. On the bus, in class, on the street. The people in Valdivia are very friendly - take advantage of that to practice your language skills!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Relationships built with local friends and members of the community
  • Traveling with exchange and local friends
  • Immersion in southern Chilean culture
* What could be improved?
  • Proactive measures re: academics for long strikes
  • Less rain (unsolvable)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how cold my house was going to be. It was freezing, so I had to layer up because our little wood-burning stove had a tough time heating the whole house. But I loved the experience of adapting.

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!