Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A little bit of everything! Past Review

By (Cornell University) - abroad from 07/24/0017 to 12/01/0017 with

IES Abroad: Santiago - Politics, Social Justice & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Chile made me not only a stronger academic student (I took classes at the university), but gave me opportunities to meet locals, live with an amazing host family and learn more culture, practice lots of Spanish (as the general public rarely speaks English), and see beautiful landscape (Atacama Desert, Patagonia, Chiloé island). No doubt, being a foreigner abroad even with a local IES support system still presented an emotional rollercoaster. But it is the frustrating situations I overcame, along with the high-flying fun times, that shaped my experience to make me an independent person who is now stronger and more appreciative of different cultures

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was hoping to see more academic rigor in the classes. Some of them were really easy, mainly gave busy work and I feel like I didn't learn much. Taking thought-provoking classes while living in that culture abroad is one of the most rewarding things one can do. A wonderful alternative is taking several courses at a local university, which are a lot more work and are harder, yet is a unique opportunity to meet locals and experience what it's like to be a university international student.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IES offers strong staff members that were my support system when things were going downhill; they were encouraging and have had so much experience with students that they always have a viable solution at hand. They're ready for any problem you may have, whether with housing, emotional adjustment, or academic.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everyone in the program did a home stay. No home stay is 100% perfect, but it makes your experience so much more integrated and you feel like you're really part of a family. IES does a wonderful job coordinating with the host families and making sure you're comfortable with your placement.

* Food:

Chile definitely has some unique cultural dishes, but all in all food felt pretty westernized. If you go to Chile, you wouldn't be picking it for the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I personally was very proactive in branching out from the other IES American students in interacting with the locals (it's a lot easier said than done!). But it was well worth it - I have genuine friendships with Chileans and we still keep in touch today.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

On the streets and especially the metro, beware of pickpockets! They will never physically harm you, but they are artful in their pickpocketing. (speaking from experience!) Backpacks, purses, pockets...always in the front.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Talk it out with your host family if you can cook some meals at home (in addition to already being provided one by your host family). Explicit communication is key!! Eating out 1 meal every day racks up really quickly.

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

Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Go to events/join groups with other locals. The Spanish you speak with them is radically different from the Spanish you speak in the classroom.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Extra-cirriculars to meet locals
  • Beautiful landscape (traveling)
  • Academic courses at the university
* What could be improved?
  • Academic rigor of IES classes (too easy)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Branch out from the American students early on! Of course they can be your friends but making local friends is the biggest part of the experience.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!