Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experiential Learning at its Best Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/27/2013 to 12/09/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Confidence in the language, an amazing second family, life long friends and travel companions, and an understanding of Chilean culture and public health.

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

Amazing staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

SIT Chile does an incredible job selecting host families and placing students appropriately!

* Food:

Chile doesn't have a strong food culture

* 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)

Program includes almost everything. Unfortunately they don't give great scholarships and the tuition is expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60 during ISP, $10-20 during homestay
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? BUDGET

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

We had to speak Spanish in all settings

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 at Language School
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Language tables, practice with friends before going. In country-host family makes it easy to practice constantly. try to speak only Spanish outside of class and family time too.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Trips within the program
  • ISP Component
  • Clinic visits and time with indigenous leaders/health workers
* What could be improved?
  • Spanish language program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about ISP/Health Practicum. Also that you have to pay for transport to your ISP site, one of the only things not included in the fees.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Traditional Medicine
Course Department: INTD
Instructor: Rossana Testa/Multiple
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: amazing overview with incredible field opportunities
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Public Health Research Methods and Ethics

Course Department: INTD
Instructor: Rossana Testa
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Great overview and prep for ISP
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Independent Study

Course Department: INTD
Instructor: none (advisor)
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Such a challenge but so rewarding
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Public Health in Chile
Course Department: INTD
Instructor: Multiple
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Yes. Amazing speakers and field trips
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Spanish for the Health Sciences III
Course Department: SPAN
Instructor: Maja Maricic
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Not challenging enough
Credit Transfer Issues: yes, Middlebury is reluctant to accept any language credit