Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unconventional trial by fire immersion into South America. Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/05/2017 to 04/28/2017 with

Andres Bello National University: Santiago - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a new language, I believe I gained a new kind of independence, and I learned that I can survive on my own with relative success in a country where I do not know anybody or speak the language.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The intensive Spanish courses were challenging but very beneficial.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was friendly and helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did home-stay, it was amazingly beneficial to the experience, I also had a wonderful family and roommate.

* Food:

The food in Chile is rather bland. However, if one loves fish then it is the place to be, it is delicious and abundant. That being said the day to day is not that fantastic.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Conveniently I had a host sister whom included me in social events and had very outgoing friends which facilitated the process to get integrated into the Chilean culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Bodily harm was not a concern whatsoever. The only "danger" was petty crime and robbery, but nothing actually frightening.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program was intensive and I learned a lot, it also allowed enough freedom to go and do many things on your own.

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)

Definitely spent more than I would have liked, that being said my money was well budgeted to have priceless experiences such as traveling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $130-$150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a budget prior to going and try your best to stick to it. Don't spend your money on ridiculous things like sweatshirts or hats. Instead spend it on experience.

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

About 3-5% of Chile speaks English therefore learning the language was an integral part of the program.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPA 220
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? Speak the language as much as possible and meet actual people from the country. Do not stick to only hanging out with English speakers or people from the program.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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

  • 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?
  • Language Program
  • Administration
  • Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities for meeting chileans
  • Crash course on how not to be a typical tourist
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? American sentiment within Chile

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.