Past Review
By Paige (Political Science and Government., Tulane University) for
CIEE: Santiago - Liberal Arts
It was definitely worthwhile. I gained a better perspective on how other people live and a desire to see and learn more about the world.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad de Chile |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Both schools are good, but Universidad de Chile seems a bit unorganized and does not announce class cancellations or changes very well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The local office staff was very helpful with everything. The office was accessible by public transportation. I was pleased with the support and information the local staff provided. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had about an hour commute to get to my classes. There was a movie theater about 1/2 mile away. I usually walked to the subway station and didn't have any problems. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was a really good cook and always made sure I had enough to eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The two trips with the program were nice chances to get away to farther destinations. It is pretty easy to schedule no classes on Fridays, leaving long weekends free to travel around and get to know the country better. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had no health issues on the program and I don't know of anyone who had problems with the health system. I also had no safety issues, though Santiago does have some pick pockets like any other big city. You should are aware of yourself, belongings and surroundings, but it is probably one of the safest countries in Latin America. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | $10 on subway and bus fare (less once I got the student fare card) $2 on ice cream $6 on books for class - photocopies $10-15 on odds and ends - depends on what I was doing each week $40 on bus fares to other cities $20 on hostels for the weekend |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan out where you want to travel early to budget appropriately. The ice cream is really good, so plan on spending more for it - just don't eat too much. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I feel more confident in my language abilities, especially my speaking abilities after participating in the program. |
Other Program Information
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you speak Spanish and you want to go to South America, Chile should be at the top of your list. |
