I got a lot of support even when things were not in my/the programś control Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/22/2019 to 12/15/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valparaiso

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I practiced rolling with the punches

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This does not really apply because I did not have classes as planned due to strikes and protests

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Fantastic! Accessible and helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Easily accessible and easy insurance reimbursements

* Safety:

Very safe except military and armed police in the streets

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

This was my ideal program but due to the political landscape very filled with uncertainty

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 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Free events!

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 200 level
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? Chat with host family

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Language
  • Academic focus
  • Great city
* What could be improved?
  • Middlebury could have been more flexible in extenuating circumstances
  • More activity if there are not classes due to strikes
  • More food options in the home
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Figure out the mircos and colectivos early!

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!