A Real Chilean Experience - A Year of Growth and Adventure Past Review
By A student (Economics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/20/2015 to 07/20/2016 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valparaiso
I gained a new sense of independence and personal worth because I was able to create a life in a different language and culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved my host university - the PUCV. Overall the classes were not of the same quality of Wellesley classes but I always felt like I was learning and bettering my spanish. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Middlebury staff in Chile is wonderful. Especially Juan Pastene! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a great home stay experience. They were a big part of my study abroad experience. |
| * Food: |
Chilean food is not the best part about the country - however, it is perfectly edible. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My biggest accomplishment I think of the past year is that I was able to integrate myself into the community and culture. I made all chilean friends, had my internships, volunteered as a TA, and participated in lots of community activities. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare is easily accessible although a little expensive. |
| * Safety: |
In my entire year in Chile and traveling in Latin America, I never had a single issue with safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Middlebury in Chile is a wonderful program with great support but also motivates you to integrate into the culture. |
Finances
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* 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
Overall, Valpo is relatively cheap. Transportation is very cheap. The only thing that can add up is if you eat out a lot. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50$ |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
language pledge! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | upper 200 level Spanish |
| 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? | Practice daily! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | n/a |
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! |
