Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Santiago, Chile an amazing metropolitan city! Past Review

By (Macalester College) - abroad from 02/23/2019 to 07/15/2020 with

IFSA: Santiago - Chilean Universities Program, Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really grew as a student and as a person. This experience allowed me to learn more than just what is taught in the classroom. I feel as though I learned a lot of life lessons that I carry and will continue to carry with me in life. I most definitely think it was worthwhile because studying abroad in a country that is not your own pushes and challenges you outside of your comfort zone which I think is really beneficial to personal growth and to understanding life in another country.

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.

I loved my time with IFSA in Santiago, Chile. The on-site staff were very helpful and organized with regards to orientation, class scheduling, and trips. Isa always had her door open to students and took time to chat with you whether it was about class, home stay, travelling, or literally anything. My host family match was great as well and I still keep in contact with my host mom! Santiago was a great city to study abroad in as there are multiple universities to attend, museums, restaurants, hikes, and so much more to explore. Chile is a very large (long) country with different towns/cities that each are so unique and beautiful; I traveled up, down, and sideways in Chile and it was phenomenal!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Chilean families have a pretty carb/meat heavy diet but there are plenty of restaurants/grocery stores that have more fruits and veggies which families are willing to incorporate.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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 is 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

Always! I spoke Spanish all the time with the exception of when I and other abroad students agreed to take a break and speak english

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? 305
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? Don't be shy about speaking Spanish and asking questions, it's the best way to learn. I always had 2 hour dinner conversations with my host mom and by the end of my semester I was speaking as comfortably as she was!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Speaking Spanish (very immersed)
  • The city amenities but also the mountains!
  • my friends in the program!
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Some organization with classes
  • incorporating into the Chilean social scene (meeting locals)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the cuisine in Chile because it really threw me for a loop!

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!