Home Away From Home Past Review
By Marley C (Drew University) - abroad from 07/28/2015 to 12/04/2015 with
IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It absolutely was worthwhile! I learned so much about what I want to do in the future, Spanish, and truly about my own priorities. I think it's important that students recognize that studying abroad does not transport you to another utopian world; you still have to deal with the same problems present in your everyday life, you just learn how to in a different context.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The range of levels in terms of studying is so wide that I could go back, take classes at both IES and the University and still learn so much. The opportunities for travel also were very widespread |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I would say between $30 and $70 depending on the week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Having budget is such a great idea and taking advantage of the meals cooked for you in home is a must! |
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? | 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? | 4 Semesters of College Level Spanish |
| 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? | Make sure you dedicate yourself to personal study |
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? | 10+ |
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? | I wish that I would have known more about Chile, honestly. I think it is incredibly helpful to have some kind of basic understanding of the state before going. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
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