AMAZING experience in CHILE!!! Past Review
By Kelly S (Education, Spanish, Arizona State University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile
Definitely. My life has totally changed. literally. I met my boyfriend of 3 years there and changed my major to Spanish. I have a new found love for traveling and cultures and I am with out a doubt a better person because of my experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Spanish Language and Culture program was great for those whose language skills are beginning to intermediate. Classes were easier than my classes at ASU and they were very flexible about traveling while abroad. My language definitely improved through study of the language while I was immersed in the language simultaneously. The one class I had with other Chilean students was great and I DEFINITELY recommend taking classes with natives where every you go if you have an advanced level of the language. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I found the ISA staff very friendly and helpful. They were great! My expectations were exceeded! They planned enough activities to help us get to know the country and other students but didn't hold our hand too much. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I felt very safe and my family was GREAT! They made me feel at home like I was part of the family. |
| * Food: |
The food is kinda bland in Chile:/ |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Traveling within Chile was AMAZING! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
They inform you well, but be careful! My backpack was stolen from the beach. I was sick twice. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I used the language everyday, mostly with my host family. If you want to learn the language, live with a family!!!! I spent most of my free time with other American students studying abroad and we spoke English. I wish I would have made more Chilean friends while I was there, but I made excellent friends from the US and we still get together every year! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | DO IT. Chile is a BEAUTIFUL country, is safe, and relatively cheap. Valpo is right by the ocean and the perfect spot to study! |
