Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A different from expected semester in Valdivia February 13, 2023

By (English, Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/25/2022 to 12/16/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valdivia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved in my Spanish skills as well as my independence and self-advocacy. Although difficult at first, it was worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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

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? 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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
  • Americans
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?
  • getting better at Spanish
  • exploring a new place
  • Cultural Mentor
* What could be improved?
  • better communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about school strikes and the effect that would have on our semester.

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:

Gender, Culture, and Identity
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: ?
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Participated less than I normally would...was mostly the teacher talking and then inviting discussion...was easy and not so challenging
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Psycological Processes
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor: ?
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Pretty much an intro psychology-level course, with a few added bits. Assessed by assignments and creating a scientific poster.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Persaonlity Psychology
Course Department: Psychology
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Worst class I have ever taken...was not about personality psychology as it is currently understood, rather was about Freud and his theories of things...essentially old psychology theory. Really dense readings and confusing class periods. Graded by papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: