Adventurous Summer in Chile Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Trinity University) for

IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile! I learned more about the country of Chile, and more about myself as well. I feel like I learned a lot and I am so glad that I did it. It also impacted my views on what I want to potentially go into as a career.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES admin are wonderful! Loved all of them. Super helpful and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a great location, a decent walk or short bus ride away from school. The neighborhood was really nice, and I always felt safe. My family was very sweet and treated me as a friend/guest.

* Food:

I am not a picky eater, so I liked all of the food! Lots of casserole type dishes, but it really depends on what your homestay prepares for you. I never went hungry!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved traveling! It was definitely my favorite thing. There are also many attractions to see in Santiago, and a lot of nightlife as well.

* 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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Day to day living expenses were not significant, but what I didn't always account for was traveling expenses. Transportation, hostels, food, currency exchange, it all adds up!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Spanish was used all of the time in Chile. I spoke English with other American classmates, but all classes and outside interactions are in spanish.

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