My Second Home in Chile Past Review
By Madison White (Oklahoma State University - Stillwater) - abroad from 02/25/2018 to 06/22/2018 with
Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso: Valparaiso - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned so much about being on my own and having to figure things out in a new country. I grew as a person, matured, gained insight into how I best interact with others, and also gained so many treasured cultural experiences. It was 100% worthwhile and I wish I could do it over again every semester.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very helpful!! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had the BEST host family ever that completely made my experience what it was! |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was hard just going to the city clinic because I never got a diagnosis more than "virus" or "cold" even when sickness persisted |
| * Safety: |
Biggest problem is just pick-pocketing. Other than that I never felt unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had the best time based on my host family, location, friends I met, and all the amazing things to do in Chile |
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) |
Possible on a student budget but certain expenses are inevitable (bus fare) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Apply for the student bus pass fare IMMEDIATELY once you get there or else it isn't worth it and you won't get it back in time. It could save you a lot of money on bus fare |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Constant use of the language, never used English within my program |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Practice Spanish a lot with host family/ other roommates. Watch netflix/TV in Spanish and listen to music in Spanish (especially whatever is most popular at the time in your host country) |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | I wish I knew I would have jumped in head first right away making friends with locals. I value my time spent with other exchange students but wish I knew how valuable my time spent with my Chilean friends would have been to me. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
