A once in a life time experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/26/2019 to 12/09/2019 with

SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Public Health, Traditional Medicine, and Community Empowerment

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that its okay to be uncomfortable in new spaces. I learned a lot more about being independent and managing my money. I learned different perspectives on latinidad compared to that of the U.S.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The second half of the program was highly based on experiential learning which I loved.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was very open and willing to hear out feedback and opinions of the students in the program and took our input very seriously. Administration did the best that they could given the circumstances at the time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think I would have enjoyed my experience more if I did not stay with a home stay family for several personal reasons. Compatibility with your family is extremely important.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The administration kept our safety in mind at all times and did the best that they could to make sure we were and felt safe.

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? less than 50 each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? budget. apply for scholarships. Wait before buying souvenirs and compare prices so you dont overspend.

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? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
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? watch tv in that language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • my cohort
  • the administrative team
* What could be improved?
  • communication with administrative team
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish i would have had the option to live on my own/ with other students while abroad.