Incredible immersion/exploration semester! Past Review
By Natalie Platt (University of Vermont) - abroad from 08/20/2019 to 12/02/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Comparative Education and Social Change
My Spanish skills (speaking particularly) increased exponentially. I learned about the education systems, cultures (urban & rural), political histories, and day-to-day life, all in great interesting detail. I also gained so much confidence in my self and clarity on the type of person I wanted to be.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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 |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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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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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
SIT is a great program because while its an incredible learning experience, it is a complete departure from your typical university classes and studies. You are immersed in the culture, in a rigorously hands-on/field studies program. You will be challenged and learn so much (that you never could have learned in a , but still come back to your university feeling refreshed and ready to |
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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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 |
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| 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? | 100s level Spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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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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 how small it would be. Generally, I believe SIT programs are 15-45 kids, but because of issues with the application system during my application season, there were only 6 kids on my program which was difficult at times. My only advice is to confirm the size of the program with you admissions counselor!! :) |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
