Really challenging but worth every struggle Past Review
By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/22/2018 to 07/13/2018 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Santiago
I learned to be flexible and roll with the punches. There were many situations where you could easily become frustrated, but sometimes I had to choose to have a more positive outlook in order to learn from the experience and push myself forwards. I also learned that it's ok to depend on other people, in fact it's very normal and necessary -- and particularly in regards to language and improving speaking abilities, if you don't try (and inevitably make mistakes) you won't improve!
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. |
There are many aspects that are not in the program's control (i.e. protests, strikes), and so although there was not consistency in academic rigor from my particular host university, the program itself consistently provides some form of education through additional classes, tutoring, and countless resources to stay engaged throughout your time abroad. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This was mostly difficult because much of the weight comes down on the individual to pe proactive and vulnerable, and so perhaps I could have done a better job with this on my own part -- I was only in Chile for 4 months, so it took some time to feel integrated but I would say my last few weeks there I was really beginning to feel comfortable and normalized with the local culture |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was very easily accessible! I was lucky because I was within walking distance of a large clinic, and my program advisors were able to accompany me throughout the entire process. |
* Safety: |
I would say there are certain precautions that students in Santiago can take to try to prevent safety-related incidents, but I will also say that many of these incidents are out of our control and unfortunately difficult to regulate. Avoiding speaking loudly in English in public places, leaving backpacks open, or general belongings unattended -- even walking with a cellphone or earphones visible in any way is certainly not recommended. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~75$ a week |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | budget it out - make a spreadsheet and allocate funds to specific things if you know you'll be making big spends later in the month. and watch how much money you spend on cups of coffee because that adds up. |
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 |
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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 course |
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? | Change your phone to Spanish - start watching shows in Spanish (Chilean shows if you can access them), and follow accounts on social media that reflect Santiago metropolitan area or Chile overall. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I wish someone had pushed me to travel more while I was in Santiago -- I feel like there came a point where I felt too comfortable being in my room (which is a good thing!) but that held me back from being proactive and finding affordable flights or bus rides to more places even within Chile. Dropping a larger-than-normal amount of money on travel can be overwhelming but in retrospect, I think it would have been worth the while and I wish someone had strongly pushed me to do so. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Género y Etnicidad |
Course Department: | Antropología |
Instructor: | Victoria Berrios |
Instruction Language: | Spanish |
Comments: | |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
Migraciones Contemporáneas: El Racismo en Chile |
Course Department: | Interdepartmental |
Instructor: | Maria Tijoux |
Instruction Language: | Spanish |
Comments: | |
Credit Transfer Issues: |
Course Name/Rating: |
El Cine como Arte |
Course Department: | Instituto de Comunicación e Imagen |
Instructor: | Victor Muñoz |
Instruction Language: | Spanish |
Comments: | |
Credit Transfer Issues: |