the South American Experience: Chile Past Review
By Elizabeth G (Psychology and Spanish, University of Nebraska- Lincoln) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile
I learned a lot about Spanish, Chile, the world, and myself.
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. |
The expectations varied a lot by professor, but generally there were less graded activities. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The ISA staff in Chile was amazing. They were helpful and supportive with anything I needed, but still gave students independence. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The biggest problem is that my host family tried to feed me too much! It was a little overwhelming to have to say "no thank you" all the time. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I enjoyed the trip to Santiago to see the Human Rights museum and other landmarks of the Guerra Militar. It was a very impressive trip and I felt a lot closer to the Chilean culture afterwards. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There's a lot of petty theft in Valparaiso. Pick-pockets are common and I would often see tourists' cameras being sold on the street. |
| 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I had to use Spanish every day in my classes and with my host family. The ISA staff did speak English, but they encouraged Spanish practice. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is best for someone who wants to be immersed in Chilean culture. You have the opportunity to take any class with local students and live with a local family. My biggest advice is to be patient with yourself when learning the language. I was sometimes frustrated by my inability to communicate, but in the end I learned more Spanish than I ever imagined. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Deportes de las Montanas |
| Course Department: | EFI |
| Instructor: | Omar |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | In this class we went on 4 backpacking trips to different parks in Chile. It was a great way to meet the professors and see more of the country. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | If possible, have a copy of your syllabus and written work to show your advisor. |
