What a Ride Past Review

By (Providence College) - abroad from 07/23/2019 to 11/08/2019 with

IES Abroad: Santiago - Politics, Social Justice & Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the power of communication. I was able to make connections with people I would have never been able to communicate with if I didn't leave my comfort zone and use Spanish as a gateway to step into another's world.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Santiago - Politics, Social Justice & Language Photo IES Abroad: Santiago - Politics, Social Justice & Language Photo

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.

* 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 learned so much about myself and the wonderful people around me that I would 100% do this program again if I had the option.

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? About $30-$40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take out a large amount of currency to keep at home because the ATM fees are very expensive.

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? Latin American Literature Level 300
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? Don't be embarrassed when you mess up! It's ok! Just keep going!

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?
  • My host family
  • My teachers
  • The nature
* What could be improved?
  • More support during the filing for the Visa
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew someone that had done this program before so that I felt more comfortable when I first arrived there.

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.