Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wow, I am really doing this. Past Review

By (Kenyon College) - abroad from 02/21/2019 to 07/15/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valparaiso

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it was worthwhile, I learned a lot about myself and what I am interested in perusing community organization and social action, which I learned from my internship.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The actual courses at PUCV were slightly above average. The other students were not very engaged and the university

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of this program could not have been better. The team of Juan, Paulina, and Lindsay is stellar. They turn this program from good to great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Paulina (housing coordinator) was excellent and immediately had me switch when i felt uncomfortable in my first home stay. My second home stay was great.

* Food:

My host family was supposed to provide 3 meals a day for me, which they did in the chilean sense, but not the american sense in which I was used to. I would say this program would be better suited to provide 2 meals a day, beacause 2 of the 3 are bread and tea.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My social integration was very high thanks to my internship and cultural mentor, two things organized by my program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had an excellent traveling health care experience. When I got sick while traveling after my program in La Paz due to altitude, geo blue covered an hefty clinic visit bill without me having to pay a cent.

* Safety:

Students need to be a little more conscious of safety in Valparaíso than at home because of the pickpocketing issue. I had a friend who had something slipped into her drink at a club. It's important to be conscious that this being abroad isn't the same thing as living on a college campus.

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

This program was excellent in giving cultural context, encouraging cultural integration, and language practice.

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)

Chile was more expensive than I had expected. Also I was paying out of pocket for about one meal a day because my university was so far away from my host family's house that I couldn't come back for lunch.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spend about $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to limit eating out as much as possible and bring food when you can.

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

The program was great in encouraging us to speak Spanish. It was not only encouraged, but enforced. Very positive experience.

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? a spanish literature course
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 surround yourself with spanish speakers

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?
  • Internship opportunity
  • Cultural classes (where chilean history taught)
  • One on one meetings with administrators
* What could be improved?
  • Price of host stay
  • Number of meals per day
  • Middlebury could have have one set office in Valparaíso instead of only using cafés
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There will be some time to travel during the week because of all the strikes despite what the program says.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.