A Future Chilean Surgeon Past Review
By Erin J (Biochemistry and Spanish, Hope College) - abroad from 05/26/2015 to 07/17/2015 with
IES Abroad: Santiago Summer - Health Studies
I gained a better understanding of what it means to live as a minority as well as adapting to living in a large city. I learned how to be a more independent person that is capable of succeeding as an individual outside of my comfort zone. In general, I learned how to be a more easy going and relaxed person that can adapt to situations and be confident talking to others in my second language. I believe that studying abroad is something that every student should do throughout college.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program here in Santiago is absolutely amazing and I could not have asked for better support throughout my time here. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All of the directors and staff here at IES Abroad Santiago are not only helpful but go above and beyond to insure that your time abroad is comfortable, safe and fun. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I am still living with the same family due to being part of 2 back to back programs and truly have gained a second family. |
| * Food: |
I am Celiac and therefore cannot eat anything with gluten, which can prove to be a bit difficult in a South American country. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It took a while to feel fully integrated but a lot of that has to do with your level of commitment to putting yourself out there and meeting new people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was luck enough not to have problems. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
It all depends on you. I traveled a lot during my time abroad which obviously is an added cost but it is easy to keep them down. |
| 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? | Plan ahead! |
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? | 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? | Fully immerse yourself in the culture and commit to speaking the language it will pay off! |
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? | 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? | Understanding how to use the currency and being aware of cultural norms. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
