Studying in Chile was fantastic ISA is a great program! Past Review
By Luisa T (International Studies, Sociology, Spanish, Trinity University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile
It was definitely worthwhile. Seeing a different part of the world is in itself an invaluable experience
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload depended on the class. I had two bad professors but I think the same thing could happen in the states as well. I did miss the structure and organization of classes in the states but adjusting to this less formal teaching environment was a good cultural lesson |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Chile ISA staff was amazing! They went above and beyond to help the students and were always making sure that each student was adjusting well and was not lacking anything. The program office was a beautiful house with all the resources students could possibly need and in a great location right across the street from the university. This program was more affordable than other programs located in the same city and university and had the greatest number of excursions and outside events/cultural lectures. I could not say enough good things about the ISA Chile program and staff! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The homestay was in a nice, safe neighborhood and the family was great. I did not need to buy anything and they were always making sure I was comfortable. Viña del Mar and Valparaíso have a great transportation system so getting anywhere was easy. |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing, my family always insisted that I have more and they were very accommodating to likes/dislikes and dietary restrictions |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took all kinds of field trips ranging from only diversion to educational. The program was excellent in exposing students to all aspects of Chilean culture |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city was safe if you listened to the programs advice, used common sense, and were careful. The program did a great job of advising students on how to take care of their possessions and of what areas to avoid. Their were instances of pick pocketing but again this only happened to students who did not follow the director's advice. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is good to plan out even if roughly what trips you want to go on when in the country before leaving the states so you can set money aside accordingly |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Host family and locals. Used host country language everyday and most people spoke spanish |
| 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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | Don't be afraid to push your limits and do things you are afraid of |
