Spanish studies in a moslty friendly place. Past Review
By ashley k (international studies, Elon University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile
Yes. For the first I went to a Latin American country where people did not seem accustomed to english speakers (gringos). It didn't feel anti American but it was more challenging to adapt to the culture than my other abroad experiences. I have become more patient with coomunicating in Spanish and I continue to make an effort no matter how difficult it is to be understood and understand.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was not overwhelming, There was plenty of time to study and plenty of time to explore your surroundings. The grammar class was great but the conversation class was difficult to engage in. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was really accesible offered a pretty short and informative orientation session. The planned field trips weren't always much fun but they helped students orient the city. The program size was perfect not too big or too small. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The homestay was a 20 minute walk from the school and close to the beach, bus stops, and a grocery store. My homestay was selected through ISA and was very safe and had plenty of transit coming through day and night. I didn't need tp purchase anything. The host mom in my homestay treated my roommate and myself like daughters. She was great about keeping a balance between protective parent and letting us do what we wanted. |
| * Food: |
being a vegetarian in the program wasn't difficult. I would reccomend bringing protein bars or buying nuts to ensure a well rounded diet. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
They were fine. The city walks were the best options they were interesting and fun. Pablo Neruda attractions are really cool. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
we were told about earthquake safety in our homestays and from the program in the event we were away from home during an earthquake or tsunami. |
| 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? |
There were opportunities to practice with Chilean students, our host families, and anyone we encountered. |
| 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? | It is difficult to speak Spanish with locals. They speak quickly, eliminiate a lot of sounds, and are not always patient with gringos. Be open minded and don't let your frustrations get the best of you. Chile has a lot to offer and there is so much to learn. |
