A great program to learn the language and learn to kayak! Past Review

By (Business/Corporate Communications., Idaho State University) - abroad from 10/01/2014 to 12/03/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Chile

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned an incredible amount of Spanish, and gained confidence in kayaking and in the outdoors!

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.

From being totally immersed in Spanish in the local college, to filming and taking videography classes, the curriculum at Patagonia Study Abroad is rigorous and fun!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a group of guys and girls in the Pucon Kayak Hostel is a perfect setting for this program. It really promotes great comradery!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You immerse yourself everyday in classes with the local college, and it's a great opportunity to practice Spanish and learn the culture!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? $30-$50 per week

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

I practiced my Spanish everyday!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 2 in high school.
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? Embrace the language and speak it as much as you can!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The Kayaking
  • Local Classes
* What could be improved?
  • More all-inclusive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared for a great experience!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.