Study abroad in Chile Past Review
By Tess A (Spanish & International Studies, Hope College) for
CIEE: Santiago - Liberal Arts
Yes, my language skills improved, along with a lot of personal growth. Became more flexible, confident, increased cultural awareness.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | la pontificia universidad católica de chile |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had an unusual semester because the students were on strike for the first two months. This made registering for classes super difficult, and then once the classes started, the profs changed the schedule a lot. The biggest difference in the education system is that most Chilean students live at home until they finish college, so there is a very different "campus life" at the universities. To me, it seemed like the students were very politically active, and working on protest stuff, but aside from that, there weren't many clubs or activities. The day to day workload is less- the grades are mostly a few tests and/or papers. There isn't grade inflation like there is in the U.S. And the profs generally lecture, which was different for me, coming from a small liberal arts school. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great people, very helpful with academic issues and personal issues. Very knowledgable, want students to have a great experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Best part of my experience! Lived in a nice neighborhood, near the metro stop, grocery store, mall, parks all within walking distance. Didn't need to buy hardly anything (all meals and housing items were provided). I was treated as part of the family. |
| * Food: |
Not the most vegetarian friendly country, but definitely doable for those with eating restrictions (I have none and mostly enjoyed the food!) Eat at home when possible, because it will save you money. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Weekend trips to Iquique and Temuco, an asado before Dieciocho, a bike ride in the city, farewell dinner |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I found it to be a safe city, as long as you used common sense. Like any big city, there are dangers, but you just need to be smart about where/when you go. I never felt unsafe and never had any health issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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? | Very minimal amount on food (maybe one meal out, plus a few snacks, about $5-10 total); going out to a bar or club can get pricey bc you have to take a cab home ($15-20 for a night out); other expenses like transport, cell phone, shampoo, school supplies, maybe $20 per week? |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to eat most meals at your host home, decide how you want to spend your money (going out on weekends vs. traveling) |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A 300 level introduction to literature class |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke the language with the program directors, everyone at the University, the family I lived with, and friends I made in the host country. I spoke Spanish in everyday interactions. A few people spoke English but most were not fluent. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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 didn't have the best academic experience, but study abroad is so much more than that. I thought the program was really good and really well organized and I would recommended Chile as a great country for study abroad- very safe and managable. |
