Incredible time abroad at Universidad Catolica del Norte Past Review
By Kaycie R (Political Science/Spanish, Nebraska Wesleyan University) for
ISEP Exchange: Antofagasta - Exchange Program at Universidad Católica del Norte
It was just an overall incredible experience. I would suggest it to anyone that is open to new experiences and wishes to learn more about the world and themselves. I am truly a different person because of it. Plus...it was just TONS of fun.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Catolica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The things I learned from my classes were interesting, but often not applicable. However, I learned so much about Chilean Culture, the Spanish language, and myself. These are what make a study abroad experience a complete educational experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I think the ISEP advisor will do very well once she has a little more experience. Also, my professors didn't know how to handle a foreign student. It ended up being fine though. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was an incredible experience. My "mama" was absolutely amazing. I would suggest living with a host family if at all possible! She really did turn into my second mother. <br /><br /> The only thing I would have changed was not living with three other Americans. Otherwise I lived in a beautiful, safe house. I lived a 10 minute car ride from the university or an hours walk. I lived three blocks from the beach. The city was relatively safe if you knew where not to be at certain times. I never had any problems. |
| * Food: |
My host mother was an incredible cook. However, it would have been nice to be able to eat for free on campus also. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Friends were easy to come by...and they wanted nothing more than to have me enjoy my time in Chile. Going out is one of the best things to do in Chile to experience the culture and meet people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had a few minor health problems that weren't really solved through campus health. They cleared up though. Also, there are times in every country where you feel unsafe. There were times in Chile where this occured also, but a little intelligence can keep you quite safe. |
| 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? | Public transportation is cheap...but really adds up over time. As for the rest...it really depends on what you want and what you want to do. You can travel for relatively cheaply which I would HIGHLY suggest! |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
My language skills were honestly horrible before ariving. However, they improved incredibly while I was in the country. The trick is to be able to speak as much as possible. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I loved my experience. There were good and bad elements, but the good far outweighed the bad! Coquimbo has a special place in my heart and always will. |
