The Best Time of My Life: A Semester in Vina del Mar, Chile Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In terms of rigor and intensity, the classes at Universidad de Adolfo Ibanez (UAI) allocated for international students, did not have a heavy work load in comaprison to what I was used to back home. That being said, however, you have the choice to take classes with Chilean students which are of course, much more difficult and immersive. I enjoyed taking classes with other international students. Although we didn't have a lot of homework, the classes were extremely engaging and thought provoking; the professors were some of the best I've ever had in my life. Not only were they some of the most knowledgeable people I've ever met, they were the most caring and enthusiastic teachers. They cared so much about not just the coursework and material, they cared about our well being and our overall abroad experiences. Their courses were about the "big picture" the "WHY" of everything we would learn. I am still in touch with my professors today because I saw them as mentors and great friends.

On-site administration of your program

API provides the greatest on-site program coordinator in the world. Our RD was always there for us. She is so caring, so easy to talk to with any concerns, and so helpful. Our coordinator was like our mom away from home, and it would make my day seeing her around town at our favorite local cafe. API does a great job in easing the transition abroad for students through things like orientation, group excursions, and fun outings around the town. I always felt comfortable in our group and with our RD and I think they add a special component to your abroad experience.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment with a middle aged stay at home mom, in the most convenient location in town, ever. Of course, living with a host family is intimidating, but I am confident that living where I did MADE my experience that much greater. I bonded so much with my host mom and the rest of her family who would come to visit for long lunches. We would go to the movies, go to the lunch, and go shopping together, but at the same time she knew when to give me my space. We have the greatest relationship, and still talk all of the time. I lived so close to the beach, the supermarket, and all of the cutest shops, bars, and restaurants. I absolutely loved my housing arrangement.

Chilean food was not at all what I expected, but that made me love it that much more. My host mom was a baker and she would make the most delicious desserts after already making amazing lunches and dinners. I love all food, so nothing she made scared me, and everything was so good. Going out, I fell in love quickly with traditional Chilean dishes as well. Vina del Mar has so many amazing restaurants, many great Chilean ones as well as your typical pizza or burger place if you're missing the taste of home.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was really happy that my university sent me with a group of students through API on this study abroad experience. I think that being with other students from my school and/or from API allowed me to get comfortable and not have to go through this transition alone. Living with my host mom was also a huge part of feeling integrated with the local culture. She taught me so much about Chile: the language, the people, the places and the history. She was always able to give me advice and suggestions when it came to travelling, meeting new people, and finding fun things to do. There were also a lot of great opportunities with UAI that allowed me to make lifelong friends. Around campus and nightlife outings allowed me to make great friends and learn so much more about Chile.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally didn't have any experiences with healthcare while abroad. I got sick a couple of times, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. Still, my coordinator was great, and she made sure to check on me and was ready to help if my cold ever got any worse.

Viña del Mar is a very safe city, even at night. I never felt like I was in danger even with the social unrest and protests that broke out in the middle of my semester. Even still, API did a great job with making sure we were all safe, and informed of everything going on in Chile and at home during that time. It was a difficult situation, but I think our resident director did an amazing job in keeping us safe. The only thing I had to get used to was the threat of pick-pockets and thievery. It's easy to avoid if you're always looking out. Keep you belongings away in a handbag and do not walk around with your phone out, and you'll be fine. You just have to keep an eye out at all times.

Studying abroad in Chile was the most amazing and transformative experiences of my entire life. I would choose Chile 1000 times over if I could.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The cost of living in Chile is much higher than I had expected. It's pretty close, if not more expensive than living in the U.S. I came with about $4,000 which I thought would be gone before the halfway mark of my semester. I learned quickly how to budget, and what was really worth spending money on, and I somehow was able to make that money last me my entire semester...and that was WITH going on a trip every weekend of the semester! It's all about how you budget it.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Chilean spanish is unlike any spanish I'd ever heard in my life. It was daunting and seemed impossible at first, but I'm so glad I learned it! If you're comfortable with Chilean spanish, you'll be comfortable with any other spanish forever! English was not easily accessible, and so speaking spanish was extremely engouraged, and really necessary to getting by day to day. That made learning spanish that much easier.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Host family experience
• Internship
• Resident director/API excursions

• Integration with local students and community

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