Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Real Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/21/2019 to 12/15/2020 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valparaiso

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to navigate my life in another language, make my own decisiones, integrate myself into a different culture and feel part of a community that wasn't that of my own.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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
  • International Students
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?
  • chileans
  • Patagonia
  • host family
* What could be improved?
  • Food situations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? bring more sweaters, less fancy jackets. Maintain contact with family at home more than you think because the transition back was difficult, the cultures are practically opposite.