The Chilean Adventure Past Review

By (Wesleyan University) - abroad from 02/22/2017 to 07/21/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valparaiso

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot from living and interacting with so many locals. The experience truly gave me the opportunity to immerse myself into Chilean culture and for that reason, I found it incredibly worthwhile. Not to mention, my Spanish improved immensely!

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.

The university was on strike for a large portion of the semester, but the academic rigor was similar to that of my classes at Wesleyan. Nonetheless, I was able to complete all of my evaluations before leaving Chile.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site directors are absolutely incredible. They were there for me 100% of the time and so responsive to my needs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The program did a wonderful job setting me up with my host family. They were a great resource in helping me integrate into Chilean culture.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program really cared about my success in every aspect of my time abroad. I felt incredibly close with my host family, cultural mentor and the directors of the program. It was a great balance of cultural immersion and having support from a US program.

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)

I spent about $50/week on transportation and personal expenses outside of traveling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of local transportation!

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

I did not speak a single word of English to anyone in Chile.

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? Spanish 221 - Introduction to Hispanic Literature and Advanced Practice in 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? Get out of your comfort zone and practice with everyone!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Program Directors
  • Direct Enrollment Classes
  • Cultural Immersion
* What could be improved?
  • Plans for universities that go on strike
  • More events with the cultural mentors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before going on this program I wish I knew that taking all classes in the same year and major is more useful for getting to know local students.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.