Most Memorable experience hands down! Past Review

By (Business Administration and Management, Florida Memorial University) - abroad from 02/12/2016 to 05/19/2016 with

IES Abroad: Multi-Location - Emerging Economies: Santiago & Rio

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a global perspective in business, a deeper understanding of myself, created remarkable memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. YES, this by far was the greatest life changing experience!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Multi-Location - Emerging Economies: Santiago & Rio Photo IES Abroad: Multi-Location - Emerging Economies: Santiago & Rio Photo IES Abroad: Multi-Location - Emerging Economies: Santiago & Rio Photo IES Abroad: Multi-Location - Emerging Economies: Santiago & Rio Photo IES Abroad: Multi-Location - Emerging Economies: Santiago & Rio Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I would choose to do this program again because it pushed me far my comfort zone and enhanced my life in every aspect you can think of for the better.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead trips you want to have on the weekends so it can be arranged with a group and IES can recommend.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? Portuguese 2
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? Try to talk as much as you can to locals. Don't be hesitant to ask questions, you will learn by mistakes. Life lesson.

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?
  • Support
  • Multi-location
  • Field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Travel Advice for Luggage
  • Portal for Grades
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Travel light for South America. I brought two luggages to Brazil and had to pay the second one throughout our travels from Brazil to Peru and Peru to Chile. Super expensive.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'