Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Chilean Cultural Immersion October 01, 2025

By (Math and Spanish, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/28/2026 to 07/05/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valdivia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My spanish skills improved, and met lots of interesting people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I found Valdivians were quite excited to meet Americans and generally very friendly.

* 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

Loved the city and nature of Valdivia. Beautiful nature, with a culture that is distinct even compared to the rest of Chile. I will definitely return.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of food provided in homestay.

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? 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? 300
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Meet locals!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Nature
  • Host Family
  • Surfing
* What could be improved?
  • Course Registration Help
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had more guidance on how to register for classes at the local university.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

América Precolombina
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Educación y Naturaleza
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Taller de Análisis de Medios
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