Language Immersion in Chile Past Review
By A student (Spanish Language, Literature, Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/20/2015 to 12/12/2015 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valparaiso
I gained confidence in being able to maneuver a foreign city in a different language all by myself. I am proud of becoming so fluent in the language!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Middlebury is the perfect program to do if you are looking to become fluent in a language. The emphasis on speaking the language is heavily supported by the staff and students are more likely to stick to it. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program directors really made me feel secure in Chile. They were incredibly quick with responding and let us feel comfortable with reaching out for help. They were there for you if you needed them, but they weren't overbearing. |
|
* 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? |
All students with Middlebury were automatically given international health insurance. I once went to the clinic for an ear infection. The process went smoothly. The assistant director of my program went with me and spoke to all the receptionists and doctors for me. The insurance covered the cost of the appointment. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. However, if I was ever out really late I would always go him with a friend or find someone to walk me home, just in case. |
| 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) |
|
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | Try to speak as much as you can before you head abroad. The biggest challenge once you are abroad is being able to express yourself and communicate yourself properly in the language. |
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 to only take only first year or second year classes at the university (PUCV). I took one third year class and it was so hard! |
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! |
