Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

a great semester on the other side of the world Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/23/2018 to 07/13/2018 with

IFSA: Santiago - Chilean Universities Program, Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Spanish improved a lot! I also learned a lot about a country I previously knew very little about.

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.

Courses varied depending on the university. The classes were much more test-based than essay or project based compared to my classes in the US. Classes at la Chile were cancelled for two months so I missed a lot of class. But IFSA provided lots of resources for learning about classes, independent research on class material, and more.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program staff in Santiago is great. They were always available to help. They even offered themselves as a resource for me when I stayed in Santiago after the program had ended.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with a very nice host family close to campus.

* Food:

Chilean food is not bad per se, but it's not particularly great either. Not much variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At first, it was kind of hard to make friends outside of my program. However, my host family and the IFSA staff really helped me learn about Chilean culture and traditions. I ended up making great friends in one of my classes and felt included in the culture, they were eager to teach me and include me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had some pre existing conditions and the staff found me a doctor right away when I arrived. I also got a bad cough and was able to see a doctor within hours of texting the program director. All of the medicines I take at home were available at the pharmacy, some available for cheaper than in the US.

* Safety:

I felt safe most of the time. I was never robbed, yet some friends were. I just had to exercise a little extra caution and be aware of my surroundings.

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)

Santiago was a lot more expensive than I thought it would be. I didn't have to spend a lot on food because I was staying with a host family, but when I wanted to hang out with friends etc. we'd go to a bar or cafe and I'd end up spending 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? 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? Introduction to Latin American Literature and Culture (taught in Spanish)
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? Listen to podcasts in Spanish, watch Spanish tv shows, listen to music 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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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 country itself
  • host family
  • on site staff
* What could be improved?
  • course registration
  • extra curricular events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been a little more outgoing, it's okay to go to events by yourself.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.