Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Chillin' in a chilly Chile, The best Study Abroad Past Review

By (Registered Nurse, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis / IUPUI) - abroad from 05/27/2015 to 07/16/2015 with

IES Abroad: Santiago Summer - Health Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As I look back on my trip, I realized that everything happened exactly the way it was supposed to be. Even through all of the smog it was refreshing and just what I needed. I don't regret anything that happened nor anything that did not happen, like toilet paper that could have been but was never there, or getting tear gassed after the Copa America final, to friendships that will last a lifetime, to the smiles and hugs of a host family that just turned into family. This trip will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

For nursing students, this is a great program to learn about medical terminology in Spanish and to interact with patients in health settings!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed with a wonderful family of four: Dad, Mom, little girl and little boy. They made my stay incredible and included me as part of the family.

* Food:

Chilean food is nothing like Peruvian food. I do not eat a lot of potatoes, rice, or bread. I am giving this four stars because my host family knew that I liked to eat a lot of salad and they tried their best to accommodate.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Copa America! I loved soccer and I integrated myself well into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up going to the doctor 3 times. Each experience was in a different setting and all of the health professionals treated me with dignity. The IES staff did a great job of helping me find a location to attend my needs.

* Safety:

Chile is one, if not the safest country in South America. I felt comfortable walking alone.

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)

2. Around 100/week. And I did not eat out a lot! The cost of transportation for metro cost a lot of money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-100 each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are used to biking in big cities, get a bike rental card for BikeSantiago! My friend let me borrow his and I took a bike when I had the chance!

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

Always!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
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? Ufff. I took a 300 level course at one point.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Get out and enjoy Santiago! Do not be afraid to meet new people! They are wonderful and will help you with anything. Try to steer clear of the English speakers for a while. It will really better your 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
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?
  • The Staff!
  • The Students
  • The friends that became family
* What could be improved?
  • Clinical observations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring some chocolate!

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 Adventurer
The 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.