Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A New Exciting and Educational Experience Past Review

By (University of Vermont) - abroad from 02/24/2016 to 06/06/2016 with

SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Comparative Education and Social Change

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely! I am very happy I went on this trip. If I could do it again I would immerse myself in the community faster than I did.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought felt that my spanish improved greatly and I learned large amounts of new information connected to where I was abroad, but it was not as rigorous as I have experienced at my home university. This gave me a chance to explore more

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I absolutely loved the administration and am still in contact with some not that I am home.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I would give my living arrangements it more than 5 stars if I could. I still talk to most host mom every couple weeks and found it to be the highlight of my trip!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I found it easy to immerse with my host family, but not as easy to immerse with Chileans my own age.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had an unexpected health issue that was reassuring from home and was worried that I would have to go home early. SIT staff was incredibly responsive and I was able to see a specialist while there. I felt well taken care of and safe.

* Safety:

I felt safe in Santiago, although it is a city so there always are precautions to be taken. I was well prepared by SIT for an situations that may have arisen.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $15-$20 by choice
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home and buy groceries.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

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? 100 level
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk in Spanish with your group

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My Host Family
  • Program Administration
  • Program Theme
* What could be improved?
  • Research Methods Class Structure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That SIT is a unique experience and you will spend a lot of time with other American students on the program which has many pros and cons.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.