Chile: Journey to the End of the World Past Review
By Ben S (Earth Science, Northern Michigan University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile
A little over six months after returning, I still think back in amazement at the experience I had in Chile. While life has not exactly returned to same as it was before my trip, there is a lingering feeling that something is profoundly different. The sensation adds a certain richness to life, knowing that all is not as it appears around you. It is clear now that there is more to the world than what can be found within your own borders, and it is important to explore those places not only to begin to understand other people, but also to look at your own culture--and yourself--in a different light. Studying abroad in Chile was the experience of a lifetime, at a point in my life when I could take advantage of the opportunity. I tell everyone I see that regardless of the price or the difficulties it creates in the short-term, the act of living and studying abroad is an experience that will resonate with you the rest of your life.
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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 workload was challenging at times, particularly my course in economics, but, overall, I felt like my classes had solid curricula and reasonable expectations. While the grading system is a little tougher than the United States, the ISA-recomended conversion scale is fairly generous when it comes to transferring your grades back to your home institution. Overall, I enjoyed the greater freedom and independence given to me by my Chilean professors. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
ISA-Chile is well-organized, and maintains a large, well-equiped office right in Valparaiso along the ocean. Their support staff are very helpful, and most speak English fluently in addition to Spanish. It seemed like they had everything--from documents to orientation--down to a science. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my house and family...it helped that I had an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean right outside my bedroom window! The bars were close (perhaps too close!), and everything I needed was within walking distance (or a short train/collectivo ride). |
| * Food: |
Overall, the food was great! I was able to sample a wide-variety of cuisine from all across the country. ISA organized delicious restaurant outings during many of the expeditions. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trip down to Pucon (organized by ISA) was really fun. While I did my most interesting travel independently, ISA put together some great trips. From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, I saw almost every type of physical landscape Chile has to offer. As a geography major, I was thrilled to see in-person so many of the geological formations and climatological phenomena I had until then only read about in textbooks. Throughout the country, I went horseback riding, surfing, snowboarding, and whitewater kayaking. Overall, it was both an incredible outdoor and educational adventure. I definitely recommend checking out Patagonia...just make sure you have plenty of time (and money)! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Felt safe the whole time...until I had my camera stolen at a train station only a few days before I left. Major bummer! |
| 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 was immersed in a Spanish-speaking country, so obviously everyone I came into contact with spoke Spanish fluently. I took three courses in English, and a course in advanced Spanish. Outside of the English courses, I spoke Spanish all the time, except with American students. |
| 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? | If you are into exploring an incredible landscape, learning about a fascinating culture, and just getting out your shell a bit, Chile is right for you! Just don't mix too much Pisco and wine! |
