Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most impactful experience of my life. September 02, 2024

By (Biochemistry, Spanish, Amherst College) - abroad from 02/24/2024 to 07/10/2024 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Buenos Aires

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was the most worthwhile experience of my life. I have never felt like a more complete version of myself. I gained family, I gained friends, I gained language abilities. I gained confidence in myself and I feel like a happier, more loving person post abroad.

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.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

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 Level Spanish courses at Amherst
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
  • International 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?
  • Connecting with my mom's family and grandfather's friends
  • Growing close with my host family
  • Living in a new city
* What could be improved?
  • Method of paying rent (not in cash)
  • Clarity about classes and how university registration works
  • More Middlebury sponsored events/trips in and out of Buenos Aires
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that there were so few vegetables/good produce is hard to come by in comparison to in the US.