Awesome learning and growth experience February 18, 2024

By Ugo I (Neurobiology, Neurosciences, Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/24/2023 to 12/15/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valparaiso

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I had a really rewarding and gratifying study abroad experience. I have not only strengthened my Spanish skills, but I've also gained the confidence to go abroad alone. I made lifelong friends from my experience--In fact, I've only kept in contact with my local friends.

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* 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?
* Safety:
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?	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?	300+ Spanish courses
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?	Don't be afraid to speak, people are generally kind and understanding.

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?	Support Cultural trips Making friends with locals
* What could be improved?	More transparency about ethnic divide
* 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 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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Socioanthropologia
Course Department:	Sociology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	The course was interesting in terms of content, I think the only difficult part was communicating with my professor at times. I often felt that he was not responsive.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Bases de Enfermeria y Comunitaria
Course Department:	Nursing
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:	Excellent course taught by Profe Miriam Fuentes Navarro.
Credit Transfer Issues: