Came to learn Spanish, stayed because I fell in love with Chile(ans). Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Excellent academic support according to the goal of the program: increase significantly fluency in Spanish. Great all-around cultural immersion and processing as a group to further learning of experiences. Directors and support staff very available and open to feedback. Many opportunities to further the learning and immerse yourself in Chile.

On-site administration of your program

Lots of support, nice people. For me, in Valparaíso, there was a lot of support and contact with the director. I know it's a bit harder for people further away from Santiago.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a chilean family very interested in making sure I learned a lot (culturally and linguistically), and felt really at home in their house.

In Chile, there's a ton of bread, which I don't do well with. But my host family has been good about providing vegetables (after I asked), and I can always buy my own produce super cheap in the outdoor markets twice a week.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Almost all of my friends are chilean, and I've found great groups of people through african drumming classes, trapeze classes and other activities.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Lines and waits are long in general for most things in Chile. I wasn't sure who to call when problems came up, but someone always offered to help me get to appointments or accompany me. The insurance that the program uses covers almost all in-country health expenses, so that is nice. Downside is having to pay a lot out of pocket and ask for reimbursements later because there was no direct agreement with the healthcare provider.

No worries in the more trafficked parts of town (Valparaíso). You just have to take care of your possessions like in any city and not go to the dangerous parts, like in any city. The main thing is to stay away from marches, as they often turn violent. But day-to-day is fine.

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

I pay about $550/month on room and board. Other necessary expenses are mostly transportation-related. If I want to go out or buy myself food or presents for people, that's an added cost. Chile is pretty expensive for latin american countries, so the only things that are really cheaper here are produce (fresh food) in season and hand-made things, like artisan wool crafts, etc.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We make a pledge, but they don't talk about it enough. It is assumed we are only talking in Spanish, but there isn't enough reinforcement/ tips to make the transition more complete or more smooth.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students

• Focus on helping us learn Spanish, with support
• Lots of ways to connect with people in Chile (cultural mentors, host families, tutors)
• Strong connection with director who actively seeks feedback about the program

• Better articulation of chain of command if there are problems
• More conversation about the language pledge (no speaking English in-country) and how to better immerse ourselves
• More integration between host families and the program as a whole, making them more a part of the support network

The Networker