Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not Easy, but Worth It Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 02/19/2019 to 06/07/2019 with

IES Abroad: Santiago - Politics, Social Justice & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many hard as well as soft skills, from problem solving to patience and empathy. I feel so much more confident as a person after this program, and my curiosity and eagerness to travel have been amplified.

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.

The classes were challenging being in a different language and the critical nature of the program made them really thought-provoking. While I was definitely challenged more than I expected to be abroad, I always felt supported and knew my professors and program administrators were there to help me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an unfortunate housing placement but almost all of my other friends had quite the opposite! Homestay is the only option for this program which I enjoyed the thought of but wasn't entirely sure what it consisted of when I got there.

* Food:

Chilean food is... ok, but the diversity of food choices in the city always saved me!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

IES gave us opportunities to meet Chilean kids so that was really helpful. I think you have the most integration if you opt to take classes at the parter university. If you just take classes at the IES center and don't make an effort to integrate yourself it's easy to get stuck in a U.S. bubble.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Luckily I didn't have any health issues while I was away but I know a lot of people who got excellent treatment. The processes and payments were different than in the U.S. so that was something they had to adjust to, but access was always there.

* Safety:

I felt extremely safe in Santiago, definitely more than I expected to. IES is in a great location and our homestays were all in very nice, secure areas. When traveling out of these areas it's usually obvious you're foreign so it's important to be street smart, but even with this I never felt nervous or like my security was threatened.

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

I had an incredible experience in Santiago. I got really involved in the center, felt like I made a real difference in my internship, and learned A LOT. I love the city and the region in general and becoming bilingual is almost inevitable.

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)

While it's still a city, once you figure out where to shop and get in a routine it was fairly affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? GO TO THE VEGA FOR PRODUCE

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

Always.

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? Spanish 253
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? Listening and speaking are such better ways to learn practical Spanish than reading and writing.

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?
  • Location
  • Course Offering
* What could be improved?
  • Safety Information
  • Health Care Services
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't know much but I can't think of much I wish I knew. I think going in open minded is the best advice I can give.

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!