A Worthwhile Experience Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/18/2019 to 12/15/2019 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valparaiso
While I would say I am still at an intermediate level speaking-wise, I think my language comprehension improved in all aspects. It was definitely worthwhile in terms of furthering my language skills, but it was also worthwhile in ways that I didn't guess before I was there. Learning how to adapt to a new culture and city is a very important skill to have. There was a mix of academic/language benefits and personal growth that made this experience worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There were plenty of resources for you to use if you chose, and the language immersion aspect of the program could be intense, but very educational. The academic rigor at the university may differ from what you're used to at your home university, but it gives you time to focus on other things, such as social integration. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I really loved the on-site staff! Very friendly and responsive. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really loved my host family and the location of the home. It was near a metro stop and several bus stops. At home it was nice to have my own space and a garden area. |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The guided independence style offers support without being too overbearing. The language pledge attracts students who take improving their language skills seriously. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | If you're not there long enough to get a student metro pass, subway and bus fares can add up. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go out to eat everyday! Either cook with your program friends or eat meals at home with your host family. |
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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Chat with your host families, listen/watch content in Spanish. |
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? | It's worthwhile to figure out the transportation system early on, especially the colectivos can be confusing. |
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! |
