Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

BEST TIME OF MY LIFE Past Review

By (International Global Studies and Latino and Latin American Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/27/2013 to 12/09/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Because you meet people from all over the world you get a better understanding of the world from multiple perspectives, this gave me time to think about myself and not only will I be learning about my new host country but at the United States.

Review Photos

SIT Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, & Community Development Photo SIT Chile: Cultural Identity, Social Justice, & Community Development Photo

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.

This program provides us with amazing professors in Valpo. They all come from great educational backgrounds. For the first six weeks they academically challenged us to think outside the box and always tried to include what we learned theoretically with the excursions, they often wanted us to express our thoughts and this definetely helped me to analyze my surroundings better.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

This program does an amazing job exposing us to the social, political and economic situations that are happening in Chile. Everyweek we went out on excursions and talked to different populations such as fisherman, fruit and vegetable venders, students and other populations that would help us get a better understanding.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked living with a host famliy because it's another valuable perspective that I definetely took into consideration, but to me it was a bit weird not being able to wash my clothes and cook.

* Food:

My host mom was a great cook and a very healthy eater. If you don't like bread, be ready to eat a whole ton in Chile. If like spicy food you won't really find any, but they do have aji which is not spicy at all.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This defenetely depends on how you are. I would recommend that whenever you are not in class go out and meet people. Their are amazing people out their that are willing to discuss with you about anything and are always down to go out and adventure. I would often go to concerts, campaigns, go watch the movements and this made me see the other side of Valpo.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get sick at all, but I did get hurt while I was abroad and the hospitals are great.

* Safety:

It`s a safe place, but you do have be cautious. I was always told to not wear any jewelry and to not carry too much money.

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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes make sure you're budgeting and bring enough clothes(MAKE SURE THAT IF YOU'RE COMING TOWARDS THE END OF WINTER THAT YOU BRING WINTER CLOTheS IT DOES GET SUPER COLD AT NIGHT)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? I had to take an advance class-- HISP 108 for Heritage Students
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? GO out and MEET PEOPLE

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Directors
  • Excursions
  • The history of Chile
* What could be improved?
  • better communication within the directors
  • should enforce students to keep thinking about their ISP project
  • more interaction with people our age--college students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That we would be having classes with just the other US citizens

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.