Connections and Amazing Host Family and City Past Review

By (Public Health, University of Rochester) - abroad from 07/26/2015 to 11/30/2015 with

IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely improved my language skills and also learned so much about the history of Chile. I enjoyed learning about the Chilean dictatorship from many different perspectives such as the health perspective through my internship and through a course on Human Rights that IES offered.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago Photo IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago Photo IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago 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.

* 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

This program connected me with a great internship and host family so in many ways they have great connections with the city

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)

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Spanish
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? Keep speaking the language and push through if you are struggling there are always ways to say things if you have a good level of language and it makes you that much better.

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?
  • Internship
  • Host Family
  • Exploring Santiago and its history
* What could be improved?
  • Fewer group projects in classes
  • Better communication between professors and administrators
  • More reflective work
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Definitely pack a nice jacket and warm clothes for the start of the program if you are going in the fall semester. Chilean houses typically are not heated

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!