More challenges than ever, but high rewards Past Review
By Rebecca Freeman (Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/27/2016 to 12/08/2017 with
University of Valparaiso: Valparaiso - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned my limits and how I interact in a new place, I learned to be my own advocate, I learned about Chilean culture and history. Yes.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Middlebury program class did not contribute to my learning, although it did take up time. I think it should be more valuable by actually teaching language/ culture or taken out of the program. I also think it would have been better to switch to PUCV considering the strikes at UV but was told that it was very difficult and not advisable to do so. When we had problems with the Middlebury course or others that were run by/ directly influenced by the program the director didn't offer any real help or support (although of course what they could do was limited anyway). Lastly, they dissuade students who major in the sciences from taking courses in their field of study. However, these are easier than taking classes in an unfamiliar subject and also have lots of cognates, etc. Instead, they should recommend not taking more than 2. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The first place I lived was not suitable for a host student, while the family was very nice. There was no desk, barely enough space for a twin bed in the room, and the apartment was so small that there was no quiet place to study or relax. Additionally, the family was under a lot of economic and familial stress. The second host family (which I found) was incredible! Everything was perfect. |
| * Food: |
Again, first host family was fine but only bread for breakfast and dinner gets old/ isn't nutritious. Second host family was amazing!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Often felt unsafe, and everyone was always telling me it was dangerous and to be careful but I had no issues. If you are cautious and aware of your surroundings you should be okay. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The city was perfect for me and I wanted an immersive program. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| 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? | Going out is expensive! Stay at hostels when you travel from hostelworld.com |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 304 |
| 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? | sticking to the language pledge with the other kids in the program makes a huge difference |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That PUCV is also public and offers more extracurricular activities than UV. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Historia Social y Política de Latinoamérica |
| Course Department: | Sociología |
| Instructor: | Claudio Pérez |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | We rarely had class, the professor seemed disinterested and never would give a straight answer in person or in email to any question about the course. Lectures were unfocused and he had no visual aid or wrote on the board so it was hard to focus and if anything was confusing, no way to clarify. Class was often canceled without notice and assessments were vague |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | haven't tried yet |
