A great way to understand Chile Past Review
By Michelle E (Anthropology/Community Health, Tufts University) for
SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development
SIT does a great job of providing students with family interaction and educating the participants on historical and current issues relavant to Chile that in some ways apply to most of South America. The opportunity increased my interest in international development work, and the ISP played a large roll in my interests there. I gained independence and confidence in traveling, speaking the language, and interacting in a unique culture very different from my own while abroad.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I found the coursework to prove minimally challenging, but the ISP required good organization and use of time skills; it was imperative to stay on top of things and the process of completing the project was incredibly challenging and fulfilling. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
In general, there was a lack of organization, and it was just expected that class, activities, and trips would begin and end at least 20-30 minutes late. It is necessary to just accept "Chilean time," which is much more relaxed than American time. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a room of a high-rise condo in Valpo with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. The location was great and close to both Valparaiso and the neighboring city, Vina del Mar, where Casa SIT is located (for class). However, I lived with an older couple who were quite intrusive in daily life and it took some adjustment to being with a family full-time as opposed to on your own at school. <br /><br /> |
| * Food: |
Chilean food leaves much to be desired, and I think everyone on our program gained weight. It is packed with white bread and white rice. However, the palta (avocado) and produce in general is AMAZING, and incredibly cheap. Shop at the local outdoor markets for super fresh products. Also, the chorrillana and vino con fruta were incredible for going out. The drinks are generally amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Valparaiso is a culturally-vibrant and colorful city that is full of music, art, and events. Cerro Alegre and Concepcion are two incredible neighborhoods worth wandering; it is entirely up to the student to maximize time spent enjoying the city. The location on the Pacific Coast is great, too. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I only felt less safe traveling at night because I was the only person who lived in my particular neighborhood, but everyone was great about walking me back to my taxi stop. Stick to groups as much as possible. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Money spent depends entirely on the individual: SIT covers 3 meals/day at the homestay and gives a transportation stipend; however, plan for social spending. The budget does not cover going out to eat, and transportation to do so. Also, be aware of how much you will spend on souvenirs, gifts, etc. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I think my Spanish improved mostly due to my independent efforts of speaking with Chileans I met outside of the program. I was frustrated by the overall lack of Spanish spoken among SIT students during programs and activities, and that the academic directors were incredibly lax on speaking Spanish. I feel everyone would have improved more if they made effort to speak outside of class. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Review the program contents and look into Valparaiso online before you commit to the program to make sure it offers what you want. This particular program has a strong political/social justice focus of Chile's history and some focus on indigenous groups and their rights, and is less culturally-oriented than expected. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Intensive Spanish |
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| Instruction Language: | |
| Comments: | The Spanish courses are determined by level of profiency upon entrance and are well-structured for grammar improvement. I truly enjoyed my professor, and all of the Spanish professors are fascinating and interested in student progress. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
