Chile: The Best Place on Earth Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was reasonable for being abroad along with only a 6 wk program. My professors taught primarily through lecture and actual exposures to things. I was never tested, but had multiple comprehensive papers. We were graded on a 7 point scale, where I'm told a 6 is an A, 5 a B, 4 a C, and so on.

On-site administration of your program

Chile, in general, takes a lot more time to get things done than the US. This wasn't a problem, but we haven't gotten information back regarding grades and transcripts. The country was in strike on account of the Educational demonstrations, making the whole experience a little different than I'm sure it would have gone otherwise. Mainly, I think our faculty did a good job of keeping us update, and keeping things organized for us while the school was taken, and such.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My neighborhood was great, close to the Metro, and safe. I loved my family, and still keep in touch with them. They were the best, constantly challenging me in language, and cultural exposure. I needn't buy anything other than toiletries. They were very permissive about anything I wanted to do, such as going out, or traveling. The Nightlife was good, and class was a 15 minute ride on the Metro.

I am a vegetarian, so food in a very meat oriented country got a little redundant, however my family did a great job at keeping things as new as possible. The wine is awesome, and the empanadas are even better.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We did a bike and wine tour in Mendoza, Argentina. The best experience of my life. We did a horse back ride also, along the ocean which was so beautiful (in chile). Valparaíso in general is a cultural experience. Lots of fun!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick for a couple days, and my host family took very good care of me. The program was super nice about missing class and everything. I didn't have to go to the hospital or have any formal treatment. Prior to arriving, I was anxious regarding PTSD symptoms I experience due to a sexual assault on my own college campus. I was told by the program that a psychologist would be readily available if I were to need one. I never used it, but it was nice to know he/she was there. I was also scared about safety, but never did I feel unsafe in a typical situation where I should feel safe. The streets were lit (or the ones you should be walking on) and the people are very friendly. There is a lot of cat-calling toward women, especially tall, or light haired/blue eyed women, but that is typical in any south american country, and if you can stamp it as Machismo, it doesn't feel so violating. I didn't need any vaccines.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

We could speak Spanish with essentially everyone, and it was always encouraged. We were all in host-stays so Spanish was pertinent. Most of our interactions were in Spanish, yet the staff generally spoke English if we needed to. Within the group, we spoke some Spanish, but mostly English.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family