Rewarding July 28, 2025

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed the Middlebury program director and staff. An issue I found myself facing was the options for courses my host university was offering to study abroad students. There wasn't much variety across disciplines, and I had to externally ask for permission to take classes that weren't being offered for study abroad students.

On-site administration of your program

The Middlebury School in Chile staff were all amazing and helpful when it came to answering my questions and making my experience enjoyable.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not have a close relationship with my host mom. I found myself feeling uncomfortable several times due to comments being made, their was also lack of variety of the food that I was being fed. I personally felt that the rent I was paying was not equivalent to the experience I was having. Additionally, my host mom did not provide cultural opportunities such as going to exploring places together and learning about the culture. Given that I am a native Spanish speaker, the language piece of living at home was not an issue. However, I do think I would have had more cultural experience living with Chilean university students in an apartment.

The food was not to my liking. My host mom would feed me the same food every two weeks. At times the food also lacked flavor and seasoning. Although my host mom said I could use the kitchen to cook, I found myself not having time, and she would express that food was really expensive and imply that it was expensive having me live with her. Thus, I did not want to be a burden by asking her to purchase certain food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel too integrated with the local culture. Given that I was staying in one of the nicer neighborhoods, it was very gentrified and there weren't a lot cultural activities happening to my knowledge. Additionally, it was difficult making friends at my host university because I came in during their second semester, the majors are very cliquey, and not many people were open to making new friends.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have healthcare issues while abroad. However, I had friends who did, and they expressed positive feedback regarding their experience.

I felt relatively safe walking around in the city, however, I was constantly making sure to protect my electronics from getting stolen.

I really enjoyed the Middlebury Program, however, if I were to do it again, I would come with a different mindset and goals for myself.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I would say a 3. As a low-income student, affordability abroad was a factor in my experience. Although my financial aid package traveled with me, it only covered one-third of the total amount I spent during my time abroad. I was lucky enough to have work during the school year and before I left for study abroad because I was able to use the money I made. However, I had to be very strict with myself about what I would spend money on because I didn't have anyone else providing income sustain me financially while abroad

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We signed a language pledge to only speak Spanish during our time abroad.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• International Students

• Going on our program trip
• Making friends with students from other schools back in the States
• Talking courses I that are not offered at my home university

• Access to classes
• I would appreciate if we could see profiles of the host families and possibly rank them before being assigned to one.

The Academic or Linguist