La ciudad con mi corazón Past Review
By Hannah C (Spanish Education, Hope College) - abroad from 02/23/2015 to 07/10/2015 with
CIEE: Santiago - Liberal Arts
I learned so many things about myself, and I have a new sense of adventure! I gained confidence, Spanish skills, joy, and appreciation for the differences in not only cultures, but also individuals. It was completely worthwhile- everyone should study abroad if you have the slightest interest or opportunity.
Personal Information
| 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. |
Not only were my classes challenging and interesting, the professors were easily accessible and helpful. The campuses had great libraries and available resources. Besides the few protests that cancelled class or forced us to change classroom locations, the university experience was great! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Because my program allowed us to take classes from three different universities, organization was difficult, but the variety was worth it! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was an adjustment from my family in the US, but eventually we grew to love and appreciate each other. I had a separate room/bathroom and a safe place to call home! |
| * Food: |
I had available food at every meal! I never had any fear of going hungry. The food has different flavors (as to be expected), but it became my new normal! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Chileans are a reserved society, so it was a little difficult to break into friend groups and the local culture, but once I did, it was incredible! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues while abroad. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe. Just be smart, and you will be good! I did have my phone stolen, but it was pick-pocketed and I didn't notice until later. |
| 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) |
You have to be very careful because you can easily spend a lot of money on food and trips, but if you are intentional to eat the food provided by your program and plan ahead of time for trips, you can save money. The most expensive part of Santiago is the public transportation which is necessary to pay for in order to maneuver around the different parts of the city. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150.00 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
It would be very difficult to survive in Santiago and/or Chile without speaking a little Spanish. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Various 300 level Spanish Courses |
| 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? | Spend time with your host family and speak Spanish with your US friends! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | How hard it would be to come home... |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
