A trip to Santiago! Past Review

By (Health Sciences General, University of Connecticut) - 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?
I learned a lot about cultural differences

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

it was great! i just wish i didn't have a roommate; she was amazing but i ended up speaking more English than I was supposed to

* Food:

host family was an amazing cook, but the food is an adjustment!

* 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

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)

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

it did! but it was hard when we were all together as a group of 40 english-speakers

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? Advanced
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? always speak the language. always. never switch back to your native tongue!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • my host family
  • the acedemics
  • possibility to travel
* What could be improved?
  • having a roommate without asking for one
  • scheduling of the end of the program
  • airport arrival
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? i wish i knew how important it was to be disciplined in practicing Spanish