Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Santiago Studies Past Review

By (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 05/27/2015 to 07/15/2015 with

IES Abroad: Santiago January Term - Health Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I improved in Spanish, got to observe in hospitals and clinics, learned about the Chilean cultures, made new friends from around the world, and learned a lot about myself

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My professors were great! I learned a ton, but never felt overwhelmed with the course work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IES Abroad's Santiago staff is incredible.

* 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:

Santiago is a safe city. I never felt unsafe during my program. Pickpocketting is common, but if you keep a close eye on your belongings, you shouldn't have a problem.

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

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? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat the meals your host family offers you. Share cabs with other students that live near you.

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? 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? 300 level course
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Brush up on vocabulary such as food, directions, and small talk. Take any opportunity you have to practice speaking in the language.

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?
  • Clinical observations
  • The people: staff, professors, students, host family, etc
  • Trips
* What could be improved?
  • The length: I wish it was longer!
  • More opportunities to get to know Chilean students
  • Getting information on host families sooner
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known right away to be confident in my Spanish-speaking abilities. I was nervous at first, but no one expects you to be perfect.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.