Chile: An Experience of a Lifetime Waiting to Happen Past Review
By Anthony N (Spanish Language and Literature., DePauw University) for
IFSA: Santiago - Chilean Universities Program, Santiago
My experience in Chile was the best thing that every happened to me. I am now more independent and self confident and I feel if I am more of what I will call a "global citizen" with a more open-minded view on the world.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Chile uses a different grading system. For example instead of getting an A you would get a 7. Workload was fair, it looks like the workload can be pretty heavy though if you are a full-time local student. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was taken care of quickly if I needed help, academic support, etc. My expections were met in terms of support from my program. Great, dedicated staff members! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I became just another member of the family. I felt safe, I was fed well, treated like I had always been there. Family was so nice and they are truly like a second family to me. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was so nice. When I first arrived we went to the supermarket together so I could tell her what I liked and didn't. I didn't like vegetables but she ended up making me eat some and now I love vegetables. Good amount, was never hungry. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One of the most memorable thing was eating dinner with a Mapuche indigenous family in Southern Chile.It was amazing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Host city was safe for the most part, you learn where not to go, etc. I went to the doctor a few times for my allergies because they can be really bad in Chile at the end of the year. No big deal though, I got a prescription and I was just fine. I always went to the university hospitals. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Commuting was the most expensive thing. I spent up to $10-$12 a week commutting to classes, etc. That is about the only extra cost you have and less you go out with friends or wanted to buy gifts for someone. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Social life will hurt your wallet but it makes your experience the best thing that every happened to you. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A 300 level course: Spanish Reading and Grammer |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish everywhere, with my host family, usually friends, sometimes with program students and usually always with the program staff because they want you to learn as well. My Spanish improved dramatically! |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Want a challenge? Go to Chile. It challenges you in so many ways. The awards are amazing. |
