Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing place, but lacks in academics June 02, 2025

By (Biology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/27/2025 to 05/09/2025 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Chile – Climate Studies in Patagonia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the ecology and conservation fields, it was worthwile.

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 content itself is not difficult, I wish it were better organized and went more into depth.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administrators are very wonderful and receptive people.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were rooms of 3 and 4, wifi wasn't the best, but can't complain.

* Food:

The chefs are wonderful, especially the dessert.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not a lot of interaction with the locals, mostly with business owners, and some information through culture class, I wish there was more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health concerns during the semester, but the health and wellness manager is very nice and understanding.

* Safety:

Never once felt unsafe, the city is very nice, small, and walkable. There is a passcode on the front door and security at night.

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

I had such an amazing time here, the region is truly breathtaking and special. The staff is great, and they take you to so many unique expeditions. However, I expected more out of the academics. There were often assignments that felt like busy work, and there were too many group projects. Additionally, some profs take forever to grade and provide little feedback. Other than that, the people were great and I had an amazing time.

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)

All money spent is on optional food or souvenirs, except for mid-semester break, which is a whole week on your own where you need to pay for lodging, transport, food, etc. but the region is very cheap compared to america.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? max $30/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

You talk to business owners, and at the end you present your research in Spanish to locals.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2 years college spanish

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • location
  • food
  • expeditions
* What could be improved?
  • academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I went mostly for the academics and because the classes sounded fun, but what made it worth it were the field days and location.

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 Linguist
You 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!