Chile impacted my life in a way I will never forget. Past Review
By Allison T (Marketing and Spanish, Hamline University) for
Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso: Valparaiso - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Very much so. It has helped me become less controlled by stress. I have been forced to step out of my box and just live my life. While I am still very organized I do not feel the need to plan out ever single little aspect of my life.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso |
| 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. |
The workload was very light in comparison to Hamline, but that being said, when there was large amounts of work it was all during the same week/s. Overall the classes were unorganized, but I was still able to work through it. So it wasn't too off-putting. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host sister was a little rude and at times she made me feel uncomfortable or not-wanted in the house. I requested a family that would take me in as their own, and to some degree that was true, but at times I felt they were only in it for the money. |
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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? |
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| 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? | Budget your money |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was able to practice the language practically all day everyday. There was constant interactions with locals and the necessity to use Spanish. My host family would speak to me in spanish, and I to them. Also I became friends with lots of local youth and was able to interact with them as well. Quite a few people spoke english, but I wouldn't consider it to be MOST people. |
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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