Creating a full life in the land of sunsets and tranquility August 09, 2025
By Abigail J (International Relations and Spanish, Tufts University) - abroad from 07/29/2024 to 07/31/2025 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Montevideo
I gained intimate relationships, friendships, professional development via two different internships, integration into the city, and a profound love for Uruguay and its people. It was more than worthwhile and I can't wait to return.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational experience was immersive, intense, and rich. All courses were taken at the local university with local students (therefore, in 100% Spanish) and reflected one's own academic interests. Evaluation was rigorous and on-par with other U.S. universities. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Uruguay program coordinator is a wonderful and understanding person! She provided for everything we might need and helped ease the transition. She is easily an amazing mentor and wonderful instructor. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a lovely house with a very kind and understanding host family! |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Not only did I fully experience this city, I also fully connected with its people, forming relationships that have lasted beyond abroad and hopefully will endure for years to come. Overall, Uruguay was a place where I was able to build a full and complete life. As such, leaving was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Nonetheless, I am infinitely grateful that my year here gave me the opportunity to feel and experience a different place and people so profoundly. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had an experience with healthcare when I had to get a permanent dental retainer fixed. The program helped me find a local orthodontist and I was able to pay out-of-pocket because the care was so affordable. |
| * Safety: |
Very safe!!! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
There is no other word to describe my life in Montevideo besides one: full. My year in Uruguay was rich with experiences that fulfilled me. First semester, I took classes in the Humanities faculty and the following semester in Social Sciences and Arts. This diversity of coursework allowed me to learn about everything from the Uruguayan educational system to histories of exile. I immersed myself in local activities by joining a run club, taking guitar lessons, and trying out candombe classes using Middlebury's Go Global Stay Local funding. My afternoons were spent drinking mates on the rambla with a friend, going for runs, catching the sunset at Playa Ramirez, or finding a musical event to attend. The weekends were full of food festivals, local markets, cultural activities, and quality time with loved ones. Through my internship with TECHO, I spent many weekends at constructions in barrios on the outskirts of the city, learning about the various ways that organizations are working to face poverty and housing insecurity in Uruguay. Uruguay was also an amazing country in which to explore. I took the buses up and down the coast, exploring small beach towns, the waterfalls of the sierras, and the quaintness of local townships. These travel experiences helped me get to know the country outside of the capital, and showed me other ways of life that exist in Uruguay. I studied in many cafes, organized dinners with friends, had the amazing opportunity to play music with mentors and friends alike both at home and in local bars. Not only did I fully experience this city, I also fully connected with its people, forming relationships that have lasted beyond abroad and hopefully will endure for years to come. Overall, Uruguay was a place where I was able to build a full and complete life. As such, leaving was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. Nonetheless, I am infinitely grateful that my year here gave me the opportunity to feel and experience a different place and people so profoundly. |
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) |
Very few expenses other than personal travel and eating out/ubers. Transportation was very affordable and there were few to no university costs. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~40 dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to pack lunches from home/meal prep to help limit eating out to nice dinners and other such culinary experiences. |
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 |
Language pledge required. |
| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 121 at Tufts |
| 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? | Use a language pledge and only speak in English when talking with your family at home. Try to treat the experience like your real life. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 10+ |
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? | I wish I knew a bit more on how to get money out in Uruguay, as it is a difficult process. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
