Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Viva Chile Past Review

By (Hamilton College) - abroad from 07/22/2015 to 12/15/2015 with

IFSA: Santiago - Chilean Universities Program, Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Spanish and I learned a lot about myself. This was easily the most worthwhile thing I have ever done; it was over a year ago and I still think about it every day.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Absolutely the greatest I could imagine. The program director, Isa, felt like a mom to me and really helped all of us navigate a foreign country like a local. I would never have gotten through my trip with her, our orientation at the beginning of the semester and my host family.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had to little host siblings and I just adore them still. They really are the ones that taught me Spanish and made me feel welcome in their country and home.

* Food:

I live for cheese empanadas and pastel de choclo

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met a bunch of Chileans and hung out with a few and definitely had more opportunities to immerse myself with local students more but I chose to spend time with american students usually.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had pink eye and the next day my program director took me to urgent care and then to get my prescription filled and it was gone by the end of the week.

* Safety:

As long as you use common sense you will be fine.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Nothing I would change.

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)

The city is pretty expensive and I did a lot of traveling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host families. It helps with the language, local cuisine and money.

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? Beginner
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? One semester past fifth-semester
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? Speak in Spanish with everyone even people on your program.

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

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • My family
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • I could speak more Spanish
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The first couple days are terrifying; pack tissues.

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 Urbanite
A 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.