Semester abroad valparaiso Past Review
By Jason B (Nursing, University of Alaska - Anchorage) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile
Yes! It was one of the most fun and exciting years of my life. And I learned a language, made friends all over the world. Seeing and experiencing other cultures impacted my worldview positively.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The main building was a cool older building, great professors, nice classrooms. Setting up your schedule was very flexible. The ISA office arranged tutors for people who were struggling. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The ISA staff was absolutely amazing |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Host family was great! Only a couple of people had any issues and the isa staff was fast to help them out. |
* Food: |
completos & seafood empanadas yum |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Torres del paine was amazing. Chileans throw a wicked barbaque, the independence day festivities are really fun, the capital has some historic sites regarding the golpe del estado, that are very moving. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Just take your general big city precautions. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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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? |
Everyone. You could find people that spoke English but it wasn't rampant. |
Other Program Information
* 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? | Get out there meet some locals, hang out with your host family. Don't just hang out with gringos and talk in English the whole time. Don't skype your family/bf every single day, you'll just miss them more, and get out and have fun less. |