Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had too much time on my hands. Past Review

By (Birmingham-Southern College) - abroad from 03/02/2018 to 07/11/2018 with

AIFS: Vina del Mar - Universidad Adolfo Ibanez

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was worthwhile. I would have always regretted not studying abroad if I hadn't done it. I learned some of the language and how to get around in a foreign country on my own.

Review Photos

AIFS: Vina del Mar - Universidad Adolfo Ibanez Photo AIFS: Vina del Mar - Universidad Adolfo Ibanez Photo

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? No

I would want to go somewhere that is more different than the U.S.

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? $50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Expect to pay a lot more than the flat out fee that your program charges. There are going to be extra expenses that you weren't expecting, like bus tickets, so make sure to save up extra money.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 320
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? Become friends with the locals.

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

  • 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?
  • My friends
  • No stress
  • My host mom was nice
* What could be improved?
  • More chances to speak Spanish
  • Harder courses
  • More activities for the exchange students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I was not going to be immersed in Spanish.

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 Linguist
You 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!