Unforgettable South American Experience! Past Review
By Claudia Garib (Syracuse University) - abroad from 06/03/2014 to 12/11/2014 with
Syracuse University: Santiago - Syracuse University in Santiago
Absolutely worthwhile. In fact, it wasn't until our last week in the program that we finally were understanding the city, culture, language and many of us wanted to continue studying abroad! It really does fly. I came back to my campus with an appreciation of my University and took full advantage of everything that was offered. I learned so many cultural things because, as a Latin American, we think we already have an idea of the countries because we already speak the same language but history goes much deeper than that. I also learned to have an appreciation for my own culture as well. There were so many things I learned that it's hard to comprehend. Every day I think, man, I wish I could do it again and again and again....but with more money of course!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program was challenging as everything from lectures to essays was to be completed in Spanish and the local curriculum is a lot more intense that back in the States. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Excellent administration. The staff are still some of my good friends and mentors and I hope to visit them again soon! They were like our parents abroad. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a home with pets and a family who I still talk to. Loved my host family. |
| * Food: |
I didn't like avocado then but I do now! Meals are a lot different in LA and you will return home with a new appetite! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Absolutely loved being immersed in the culture. I even made a local friend who still reaches out and have met up even after returning home! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Possible health issues were rapidly communicated in order to avoid hospitalization. Luckily, I never once needed a doctor abroad. |
| * Safety: |
Coming from NYC to another city, I felt safe! Though I wouldn't be as casual with your belongings as I did unfortunately get robbed but I was alone and speaking English. Not with my group. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Compared to the other programs Syracuse offers, this program is the most cost effective. You get 6 months abroad in various countries (I chose the immersion and stayed in Ecuador a month prior before going to Chile) for the same cost as a 3 month European program. For me, it wasn't even a question. I was excited to travel and the longer I was away, the better I would immerse myself in the culture and the more I would appreciate being home. |
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) |
I only took $2K with me in cash to South America for 6 months because that's how much I wanted to study abroad. While I couldn't go out a lot and do extra excursions not included with the program, I was able to have a fulfilling experience abroad. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Each week in Chile I think I might have spent $20 to $40 a week depending on whether there was an activity or not. Once school is in session, I didn't go out a lot. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan out if you want snack/dinner money in advance each week in case you're on campus and strive to go to the grocery and not eat out more than once a week. I would also plan out any activities within the city that you absolutely want to do in advance. 9 out of 10, activities are going to be free. Then see the schedule of excursions included with the program and save some money there in case there are extras/souvenirs you want to purchase. |
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 |
In Chile only 3% of the population speaks English so it is a necessity. You'll be shocked when you hear English in the street because it's so uncommon. At least back then! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I was taking intermediate courses before going abroad but am already a native Spanish speaker. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk to the locals and practice the words that slip out in English and ask for a translation so you learn. Change your computer to Spanish. WATCH NOVELAS with subtitles! They're a lifesaver. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Really, just don't speak English and take extra bags with you for the airport in case things don't fit in your luggage! Don't pack your classes, please! You're abroad! Have fun! Take more pictures. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
