One year wasn’t long enough Past Review
By Peaches Aragon (University of Denver) - abroad from 07/18/2018 to 07/04/2019 with
IFSA: Valparaiso - Chilean Universities Program, Valparaiso
Leaving was the worst thing about my entire year. I was able to increase my fluency, take major classes, and develop a life there. I tried surfing, rock climbing, acro yoga, and so much more. In my second semester the only time I spoke English was in phone calls to people back home because I had become so close to my host family, classmates, and friends that I was always speaking Spanish. I learned so much about myself, traveling, Chile, and other people, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Review Photos
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. |
The academic rigor and intensity is definitely dependent on the course you are taking. You’re able to decide how easy or difficult you want it to be which is really nice. IFSA and the internacional program offer specific classes and you can take classes in two universities in Valparaiso. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Staying a year gave me the advantage of being able to integrate myself easier and more completely. This also depends on you and the ability to lean into discomfort with trying new things or making friends. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I unfortunately got sick or injured quite a bit, but IFSA reimburses you fully for all medical appointments and pharmacy prescriptions which really make a difference. |
| * Safety: |
|
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved my experience in Chile and with IFSA. I felt fully supported and was given opportunities that other programs don’t give. |
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? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | A program that covers your meals is so helpful for budgeting. |
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? | Span 2100 |
| 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? | Don’t be afraid to speak because It’s the only way you’ll improve and everyone is so nice when you’re trying to speak to them. |
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? | I wish I knew to take more classes with local students in my first semester. |
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.' |
