Valdivia Past Review
By A student (Universidad Austral / Austral University) - abroad from 03/08/2018 to 07/06/2018 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Valdivia
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live independently and with housemates. This implies coordinating to figure out monthly expenditures, being conscious of bills and repairs around the house. I gained a profoundly deeper understanding of southern Chilean culture, and got to travel a ton for very cheap.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
I did most of my own cooking at home. |
* 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? |
I did not experience health issues other than normal head colds. |
* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30 |
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 |
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How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
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? | Native setting |
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? | Speak with everybody. On the bus, in class, on the street. The people in Valdivia are very friendly - take advantage of that to practice your language skills! |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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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? | I wish I knew how cold my house was going to be. It was freezing, so I had to layer up because our little wood-burning stove had a tough time heating the whole house. But I loved the experience of adapting. |
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! |
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