Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best SU Abroad Program Past Review

By (Syracuse University) - abroad from 01/12/2018 to 07/07/2018 with

Syracuse University: Santiago - Syracuse University in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Improved Spanish, lifelong friends, cliche but a new perspective on the world and what it means to be from the United States, the kind of privilege that comes from that.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Depends on your host family

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Depends on your host family and whether or not you decide to immerse yourself in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Host families and program directors are always there to address any health issues you may have.

* Safety:

City is safe as long as you make smart decisions.

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

Program is really well organized and the directors in both Santiago and Cuenca are really supportive. Lots of activities planned throughout the semester that allow you to really explore and get to know the city and country and region!

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)

Lived with host family so you don’t have to budget for food so it’s actually pretty easy to budget. Biggest issues with money come when you want to travel to places like Patagonia or Peru, flights are expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Book as much of your personal travel plans as possible earlier in the semester so that you know how much money you have.

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

In all classes and at home with host family you had to use it.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPA 400
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? When you go to a restaurant or anywhere in public and people realize that you speak English they will “want to practice” speaking with you, but you should continue speaking Spanish with them. Also try to speak Spanish when you are with the group of other Syracuse students instead of reverting to English all the time.

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

  • 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?
  • You get to live in two countries (Ecuador and Chile)
  • Taking classes with actual Chilean students
  • Lots of planned program activities
* What could be improved?
  • Selection of host family
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it actually can get really cold in South America during winter.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.