Habitual Flashes of Innocent Reaches Past Review
By A student (Political Science, Colorado College) - abroad from 02/23/2017 to 07/07/2017 with
IFSA: Valparaiso - Chilean Universities Program, Valparaiso
The ease of the courses allowed me to study subjects that interested me. Living in a beautiful country, such as Chile, allowed me to write more. Due to the lack of resources, such as English books or a completely different public transport system, I learned how to be self-sufficient, fluid, and relaxed as a 'gringo' backpacker. Additionally, separating oneself from all support systems and throwing oneself into a beautiful and accessible country like Chile creates a sense of confidence. Lastly, it is of PARAMOUNT importance to understand your position of privilege, the color of your skin, and where you are coming from, while entering Chile. I have seen, including myself, an aura of arrogance and American pretentiousness while chatting with Chileans. It is Americans who had instigated the 1973 CIA coup d'etat that violently overthrew a Democratically elected president only to be replaced by a brutal tyrant who remained in power for 16 1/2 years. IFSA was very good about recognizing such injustices in themselves; however, being an American and, generally, white, student of privilege, one must understand the systemic implications and narratives of violence that they carry with them in their political baggage. It was worthwhile. Also writing letters home is great.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
IFSA-Butler facilitated well applying for courses; however, within PUCV (Pontificia Univerisdad Catolica de Valpariaso) had its own department for foreign students. The classes within this department were exceptionally easy - often many found them as a complete joke. The intellectual interest in these courses were likened to elementary school courses post recess. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IFSA-Butler was extremely hands on (hold your hand). This is very assuring and affirming for students who are very uncomfortable studying abroad for the first time. Any emergencies IFSA had a solution; however, this is NOT the program if you are an independent individual. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great home! Loved my family and they were very welcoming. I had a great view of the ocean and a comfortable home stay. My host mother took me the emergency room immediately after a bad concussion. Host brother was inviting and we became friends. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Local culture in Valparaiso is great, vibrant. At many times, its very crazy. You may find yourself out there with some colorful individuals. From my own particular experience, most of the students on my program were very dull, not very adventurous and tended to hang out amongst themselves. It may be intimidating at first to break away from the 'gringo' bubble, yet, it is very comforting and constructive to have Chilean friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
Due to the fact that IFSA-Butler is very hands on, it would be much more constructive to have gone about 'studying abroad' alone. However, I completely recommend IFSA-Buter to anyone who is uncomfortable studying abroad. |
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) |
Very easy! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Roughly $80 a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Set a budget for yourself if you're going out. Befriend locals who know where the cheap and 'local' spots are. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Siempre. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced Spanish literature courses. |
| 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? | Do not hang out with other foreigners! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Pack less! Read more about Chile. Practice your Spanish. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
