Full of unexpectedness Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 03/06/2017 to 07/30/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Montevideo

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The most valuable thing I learned from this semester is that education is not only for young people. This might sound naive but I had never met anyone who took classes while working before this semester and it was great to be in the same classes as those who've already had work experiences. They had a lot to offer in the class learning and was great to make friends with people of different age group. I also learned what it feels like to live in a small country.

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.

The classes I took in UdelaR were well organized and interactive. The topics were interesting and the professors were enthusiastic while the workload wasn't overwhelming. The classes had very diverse student body, which contributed in a positive manner to my learning especially in the area of linguistics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The coordinator was very enthusiastic and communicative. She was also always open to suggestions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love my host family. I wish I interacted with them more actively from early on.

* Food:

Food at my home was great. The food outside seemed to have little variation.

* 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

I had a really good time there. If I could do it all over again, I would stay there for the whole year.

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? 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? Advanced Syntax (in Madrid)
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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?
  • socially diverse student body
  • independence and freedom
  • relaxed atmosphere
* What could be improved?
  • communication
  • structure of internship
  • news update
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there was no linguistics classes at ORT and that the internship was not about financial education for adults.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Phonetics and Phonology

Course Department: Linguistics
Instructor: Irene Madfes, German Canale, Pablo Albertoni, Graciela Barrios
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Since most of the topics focused on the Uruguayan accent, I learned something that otherwise I would not have had a chance to learn. Each professor taught one topic and so the class in total was a little disorganized.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not transferred the credit yet
Course Name/Rating:

History of Spanish Language

Course Department: Linguistics
Instructor: Virginia Orlando
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The professor was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and well organized. The content was very interesting and though some of the reading materials were challenging, the handouts were incredibly helpful to go through the topic.
Credit Transfer Issues: I haven't transferred the credit yet.