An Fascinating Experience Abroad in Vina Del Mar, Chile! Past Review
By A student (International Business., Trinity University) - abroad from 07/27/2014 to 12/19/2014 with
ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile
A global perspective on life. This experience makes me want to travel to other countries and explore culture and life there!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| 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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The On-site administration was very helpful and made my stay abroad at ease. They're a great resource ad can help with anything! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was a little difficult in the beginning, due to the language barrier, but later on in the semester my Chilean family became real family to/for me! |
| * Food: |
I ate what my Chilean family prepared me and I enjoyed the food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Just be aware of your surroundings. Don't stick out and make yourself a target.I didn't have any problems and got around perfectly fine. |
| 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) |
This is very different for everyone. I know how to budget my money and I was aware of the exchange rates. My program requires that the Chilean family provides 3 meals for the student. It's on the student how often they go out and eat and what type of food they want. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a budget/be aware of how much your spending and estimate the trips you want to take and how much money you may need so that you're not low on funds. |
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 |
On the excursions, they would speak in Spanish and you have to respond in Spanish. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 3rd Year Spanish University...6 semesters |
| 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? | Live with a Chilean family and force yourself to speak the language, even with locals. If someone speaks to you in English, respond in Spanish. |
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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| 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? | Nothing...learning is a part of the experience! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
