Planting a Seed Past Review

By (Biochemistry B.S. and Spanish B.A., Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 05/26/2015 to 07/15/2015 with

IES Abroad: Santiago Summer - Health Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned Spanish, learned how to travel, and gained a sense of adventure that will last me a lifetime. It was definitely worthwile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

Host family had good food, but other options in the city are rather expensive and they don't have much flavor in general; Empanadas and chorrillana make great greasy food, however

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program was rather short to fully integrate, however we had the opportunity to go out and celebrate the Copa América games with the rest of the locals, which was cultural in itself

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I fell ill, I was on my own, but the program had equipped me with the knowledge I needed to handle a doctor's appointment on my own

* Safety:

Some people were robbed, however I made sure to keep all of my belongings hidden and in zipped and protected pockets at all times. I didn't have any problems.

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)

Transportation was expensive.

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? 300 level
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? Practice. Don't make excuses, and practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • The content of the courses
  • The time to travel on weekends
  • The availability of language and cultural opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Add some more material to courses
  • More organized observations
  • Price estimates in advanced
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that it is important to carry emergency toilet paper at all times, as it was not always available and the bathroom conditions where often questionable. Also, I wish I had known just how cold I would be, so that I could pack more warm clothes instead of sandals and flip flops which were never worn.

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!