Chilena Siempre Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Fordham University) - abroad from 06/15/2012 to 12/11/2012 with

Syracuse University: Santiago - Syracuse University in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an entirely differnt worldview and learned incredible things both about Chile, South America in general, as well as my own country´s role in the affairs of the region. I also found certain career interests that I had not been made aware of which I am now pursuing. Most of all, I loved all the people I met and the places I got to travel to.

Review Photos

Syracuse University: Santiago - Syracuse University in Santiago Photo Syracuse University: Santiago - Syracuse University in Santiago Photo Syracuse University: Santiago - Syracuse University in Santiago Photo Syracuse University: Santiago - Syracuse University in Santiago Photo Syracuse University: Santiago - Syracuse University in Santiago Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt challenged and the material I learned was invaluable. It was the most interesting semster of my college career.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I´m glad I did the homestay, although I didn´t get along particularly with my family. I think it was an important experience and I learned a lot about myself and others because of it.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn´t need health care, but my program administration was understanding the one time I got the flu.

* Safety:

Petty theft is very common, but you also have to take caution with taxis. Though nothing ever happened to me, I´ve heard many horror stories about illegitimate taxis robbing foreigners, even chileans.

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)

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? Meeting local friends is the best way. Also, staying with a family forces you to speak the language, which is a good thing!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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 knowledge I learned.
  • The friends I made.
  • Speaking spanish.
* What could be improved?
  • The option for a metro discount or some way to make transportation a bit cheaper.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to do a year instead of a semester. Just when you start to feel like you´ve finally become a part of the culture, you leave. I think a second semester in the same place would provide an incredibly enriching experience.