This place will forever be something incredible nestled deep in my heart Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Education happens outside of the classroom and that education is fantastic. The education that happens inside the classroom is, yes very much in interesting and relevant topics, but is the traditional lecture at students and in this way not as engaging and eventful as experiential and other types of education that nurtures more dialogue. Nonetheless constant classes in Spanish do very much help your language skills. Outside of the traditional classroom the learning experience is very much boundless. You are the decision maker in how much you want to challenge yourself to think and grow in new ways and how much you want to explore and come to understand. Through these lessons you learn an invaluable perspective and way of living.

On-site administration of your program

The administration, the director and people who make this happen that you see from day to day are some of the most kind hearted and thoughtful people. They truly make your experience. They also understand you as an individual and a student. They recognize that the experience of being in Chile and exploring it is where the real learning is and for this they support you in those kinds of activities and don't expect you to spend 100% of your time sitting in a library studying.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Made such a strong connection with my host mom. She truly became a very special person to me. She also helped so much with making my experience a meaningful one. She gave value and depth to my time in Chile. You simply have to be upfront about eating needs but also be flexible and understand that you will miss the wholesome goodness of home food.

Nooot my favorite. In general Chilean food does not know what spicy natural flavor is. I missed the burritos and tacos from back home in Southern California and just in general a more balanced diet. Lots of carbs and not many vitamins and minerals through those leafy friends. So just get ready you might leave the country looking a little more like a pillow than when you came. Although empanadas are near and dear to my heart and you can't walk longer than a minute without finding one to buy.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program is incredible in the sense that you spend a significant portion of it traveling and living with different groups of Chileans. This within itself gives you so much cultural integration. You have to try a little harder to break through into social culture with youth though if that's what you are intending to do. Make an effort to join clubs and do things that would draw the people you would like to get to know in Chile, but go to the locations where you would be able to talk and meet people. It for sure is possible, but it is also somewhat up to you.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't really have an experience with this so can't speak on it. But to my understanding from what my friends on the program that did have health related issues told me was that is went smoothly and someone from SIT would always accompany you and support you if you wanted.

Use your head and follow your gut and don't let anything else hold you back. That was my mentality throughout my time in Chile. I never had any problems safety wise. Listen to people who have experience on what areas are ok and which are not. There very much are areas where it is unsafe to go or you will most likely be robbed. But don't go there or leave everything of value in a safe place. I would say the administration is very aware of both your safety and your independence and desire for adventures and cares for you with all in mind.

You have the freedom to make it fully your own experience and the support to do so. If you are passionate and full of energy. appreciation and drive you will make it something powerful.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It was pretty easy. But it completely up to you and what you want to do. Living in a city means pretty much everything you do will have a price whether that is the transport getting there or the price of the event, just keep that in mind and do what you can and want to do.

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

Whenever you were around the administration they would always remind you to be speaking Spanish. If you needed for any reason though they would listen to you in English and respond.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• The beauty of the country and the power of the history and people
• The freedom to make it what I wanted
• The people I met and deep long lasting connections I made

• The lecture time vs experiential learning time
• ISP period is too short
• Access to Spanish classes/ help after the initial class time ends.