Chile's Infinite Gifts Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program has a strong academic focus. We had access to noteworthy professors who are leading researchers in their field. I had the opportunity to work with a prominent professor and activist as my advisor for my independent research project.

On-site administration of your program

The staff is an incredibly organized and supportive network. They had a large influence on my positive experience in Chile.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I became very close with my host mother and extended host family. Chileans often maintain traditional values of keeping the family close and connected, so I had the opportunity to get to the know the extended family well. Every Sunday the entire family would gather and spend the day together.

The food in Chile isn't exactly known for anything special. Empanadas, completos (similar to hot dogs), but nothing else super noteworthy. I probably missed food the most during my time in Chile.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is something totally self-directed. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet locals, you can by being assertive and deliberate. You can also maintain

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got a virus from eating raw vegetables that likely weren't cleaned enough. The program set me up with a doctor immediately and my host mother accompanied me. The doctor was very helpful and the care I received was great. The only negative part of the experience was that I had to pay a relatively large sum up front to be seen, and then later on repay the program in cash. I expect to be reimbursed by my insurance.

Older, more traditional residents of Valparaíso talk about how the city is full of delinquency these days. I didn't necessarily find this to be the case, in my opinion it is just like any other city. You need to watch your things diligently, don't walk alone at night, don't walk with you iPhone in your hands in the street. Several of my friends had their phone stolen on buses, but these situations could have been avoided with greater caution.

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

By living with a host family, you save a lot of money on meals. I spent most of my money on public transit (which is inexpensive), and going out to dinner/drinks with my friends.

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

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• Host family
• Traveling to different parts of the country
• Small academic cohort

• Orientation: during orientation and throughout the program, the administrators spoke as if the group of US students were all having the same experience in Chile, which erased the fact that students of color were experiencing racism and having experiences specific to their race
• Shorter class days at the beginning, perhaps condensing the afternoon lectures

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