An unforgettable year Past Review
By Katherine Haile (Northwestern University) - abroad from 07/21/2017 to 07/14/2018 with
IFSA: Santiago - Chilean Universities Program, Santiago
I learned a lot about myself and my confidence in my capabilities and independence grew significantly. I became nearly fluent in another language and made a few life-long friendships. It was one of the most worthwhile things I have done in my life thus far.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There were a variety of options in terms of academic rigor. I was able to take several more laid-back courses to enjoy my exchange and become accustomed to the country my first semester. My second semester I took several very intense science classes related to my major. The academic rigor varied based on what I was looking for. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The two administrative personnel I interacted with were brilliant. They were extremely helpful in a professional and academic setting. Yet were also able to help me gain the most from my time abroad in exploring and enjoying the country. I felt comfortable enough to ask them for help in many matters, and I knew I could count on their support. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host mom -- she is even coming to visit me in several months on her way back from visiting her son in the US. |
| * Food: |
Chile has a few great traditional dishes, but overall, the day-to-day food is average. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The people are very welcoming in Chile. However, I only felt truly integrated with the community in my second semester when I became a part of the geology department and community. I did large amounts of field work with the department and became more truly integrated as a student rather than as an exchange student. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe in the city. Most crime there is petty theft and the like so limited danger involved. However, it is a large city and so there is always a measure of danger. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program was ideal for me to spend a year with. I spent the first semester at one university taking more literature, history, culture classes in order to improve my ability with the language. Second semester I was able to switch universities to one that had a stronger geology department and take all of my courses in there. The program had a strong support system and helped me make the best of my time abroad in exploring and experience the country. |
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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 40$ |
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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Literature spanish classes of the 200 college 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? | Speak it every chance you get. Try and make friends within the country and speak to them often. Speaking to those whose first language is that of the practice language is the best and fastest way to learn and improve. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That the best way to become integrated in the community and make true friends is to become a part of some type of organization -- be it a sports team or club, etc. Some type of close group that you can become a part of and associate with people more than just attending classes with local students. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
