Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable experience Past Review

By (Psychology, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/25/2015 to 12/07/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A more worldly view and a better grasp of the Spanish language. Definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were not incredibly difficult. I loved learning and taking classes from a multitude of people, and the hands-on experience was enlightening.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was the best! Wonderful people.

* Food:

Everything in Chile is delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never had an incident during my stay in Valparaiso. I would just warn to be smart about keeping your belongings secure on your person and to travel with company at night when possible.

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

I was able to learn so much about the culture, make new friends, and really force myself to use and better my Spanish

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)

I had a small problem spending money on empanadas and alfajores, and going out can become costly if you're not careful.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced grammar
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? Make friends with the locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Excursion to the South
  • Host family
  • Hands-on experiential learning
* What could be improved?
  • More interviews during ISP period
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I freaked out about a lot of things that didn't turn out to be a big deal. I wish I would've been calmer going into this.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!