Do everything you can and smile through it all! Past Review
By Rachel S (University of California - Santa Barbara) - abroad from 07/23/2011 to 06/26/2012 with
IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My self-confidence increased and I trust myself way more than I did before. It was the most incredible experience and worth every bit of homesickness or stress.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
While the student protests caused security to be heightened, the IES staff handled it wonderfully. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I lived in an apartment that was separate from IES during the second semester. I saved on living expenses. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spend your money on things that are really important to you. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 2-year college. |
| 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 speak your native language with other people that speak that language. Use the foreign language 100% of the time! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | 11 months goes by a lot faster than you think. Don't countdown, just enjoy it all! |
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