GO TO CHILE Past Review
By Katie Ram (University of the Pacific) - abroad from 07/25/2016 to 07/11/2016 with
IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago
In addition the language and culture, I learned a lot about myself and that alone was worthwhile.
Review Photos
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. |
The IES Abroad courses are amazing, particularly the Spanish courses (amazing professors in my opinion!). However, the direct enrollment can be a bit of an adventure. Organization can be confusing and your experience can completely change between departments and campuses |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff is great and caring; they want to help you. However, I did feel that sometimes they were spread to thin to be able to give each student the help they needed. Also, an independent person for student issues would be a great addition to the team so that students can have more confidence bringing up the concerns. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a conflict with my first host family, but IES Abroad got me moved into a new home fairly quickly. I fell in love with my second family! I believe I've made a lifetime relationship and recommend that others try living with a Chilean family as well. While not everyone will fall in love with their family as I did, it's a great learning experience. |
| * Food: |
Although typical Chilean foods aren't always the most exciting, my host mom was a great cook and you can find lots of different kinds of food in the city if you want to eat out. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I think I took longer to integrate than some of my IES Abroad friends, but by the end of my year in Santiago, I felt more at home in Chile than I do... well, at home. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The CISI insurance is a must! It covered everything from doctors appointments to physical therapy, which was great for me! I actually sprained my ankle during the short time I was abroad not under IES Abroad and without insurance, though. It was totally manageable and I would say the health care I received met US standards. |
| * Safety: |
I felt VERY safe in Santiago. Only thing to always be careful for are pickpockets. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would choose the same program solely for my Spanish classes. I loved those classes because of how much I learned in them. |
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) |
If you have self control, sticking to a budget is definitely doable, but you may want to consider that your abroad friends will want you to travel and eat out with which can add up if done carelessly. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Travel: book hostels. beds in a multiperson dorm is usually cheaper travel by bus and avoid Turbus as they tend to have the highest prices Food: many places offer a "menu" instead of or in addition to a "carta." This is a daily offer that is limited but much more economic Also, empanadas are delicious and depending on your appetite, can be rather filling Transport: Depending on where you're living, a bikesantiago card can save you a lot in the city. If staying for a year, you can save a lot by applying for a student metro card. Shopping: Anything in a mall such as Costanera or Arauco will be pricier (although, sometimes better quality) |
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 |
Primary focus of the program! |
| 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? | Fluent |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't hang around other English speakers so that you're forced to practice. Living with a host family and making local friends is a great way to insure you practice the language |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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 I would have known where I could make friends. It took me a while to be able to make Chilean friends since their university life is very different from ours and less social. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
