IES SANTIAGO IS A MUST Past Review

By (Physical Therapy/Therapist., Ithaca College) - abroad from 06/25/2013 to 12/06/2013 with

IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much spanish. I learned how to adapt to a new environment. I learned how to travel and make accommodations on my own.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Santiago - PontificiaUniversidad Catolica de Chile Photo IES Abroad: Santiago - PontificiaUniversidad Catolica de Chile Photo IES Abroad: Santiago - PontificiaUniversidad Catolica de Chile Photo

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 weren't very hard except for the new spanish vocabulary being learned.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff is so nice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Home stay is the way to GO!

* Food:

I hope you like sweets and bread.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Don't walk alone at night but other then that you are fine.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out if you don't have to.

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? 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? 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? Living with a host family really immerses you and forces you to use the language.

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?
  • students
  • family
  • environment
* What could be improved?
  • Quicker transferring of grades after the program
  • Less pricey field trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You won't need that much clothes.

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.