It's hard, but it's worth it December 04, 2025
By A student (Biology, Spanish, Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/28/2025 to 12/15/2025 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Santiago
My primary goal for going abroad was to improve my language skills, and I did exactly that. I gained so much in cultural and language experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academics at La Católica are much easier than Wellesley, which was a welcome break. Weeks tend to vary greatly (some with a ton of assignments, others with nothing). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Middlebury team are very nice and easy to work with. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was awesome, but it's definitely a culture shock. |
| * Food: |
Chilean food is not the best. Obviously, there are good things and unique dishes, but Santiago is definitely not a foodie destination. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I only really ever got sick once, and I just rode it out with fluids and Tylenol. I didn't really experience any healthcare needs. |
| * Safety: |
Chile is very safe during the day, and mostly safe at night, depending on the area. Phone robberies are common, but you'll be able to avoid it if you use common sense. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Chile is an expensive country. Some weeks I had to spend more than others (for example, on metro fare to get to class or monthly dues for my volleyball league/the gym) |
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 |
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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? | SPAN 252 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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? | If you're in Santiago like me, visit Valpo and Viña sooner rather than later. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
