The Real Chile Past Review
By A student (International Relations And Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/26/2013 to 06/10/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment
I learned so much about the indigenous populations of Chile from within the populations. It was an experience that not just any tourist, or even Chilean, could have. I learned a lot about myself and my ability to cope with unfamiliar situations. It was completely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The rigor of the assignments was much lower than at my university, however that left time to really explore your new surroundings. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There were some organizational and communicational issues. Specifically there were some problems with the instructions for applying to the SIT IRB to receive approval for your independent study. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was amazing and helped me get a lot mroe out of the experience. |
| * Food: |
I got to try all sorts of new foods. I would suggest heading to the Agro a few times for the freshest foods. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This program really connects you with people who live in the country and helps you learn more about their culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30$ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you are going out on the weekends drink at a friends house first instead of drinking at the bar. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 106 |
| 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? | Talk to native speakers as much as possible. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There is not a lot of racial diversity in northern Chile. You will most likely stand out and be stared at and pointed at, and if you are a girl receive an outrageous number of cat calls. It can be incredibly uncomfortable. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
