Semester program at Universty of Chile, La Catolica Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned most when I asked the professor to let me adapt assignments; if they were tailored to Chilean students, it was difficult to get much out of them, but professors were very willing to work with us and help us to find a way to do the work that would allow us to learn.

On-site administration of your program

The administration in Chile was wonderfu; they were extremely supportive, helpful, and understanding.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with two families since one moved away, one with fairly young parents and two-year-old daughter, the other a middle-aged woman with grown children, one of whom sometimes lived at hom. Both families lived in houses Las Condes. <br /><br /> I lived in houses with Chilean families, which was wonderful. The neighborhood was beautiful, safe, accessible, and the experience of living with the family was good; they sometimes treated me like a guest and sometimes integrated me into the family like another member.

Chileans are not used to vegetarians, but there certainly is vegetarian food to eat; you will just have less variety in your diet. I loved the produce in Chile, and one great place to eat out is the restaurants at the market La Vega, where you are served a lot of food for a very low price in an interesting setting.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the organized activities we did and the opportunities we had to travel.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a lot of small crime in Chile like robbery, so I was constantly nervous about that, but I rarely felt unsafe if I was careful and alert. Never underestimate the skills of Chilean pickpockets; my friend had her wallet in an inner pocket of her zipped bag, and it was stolen on the metro without her noticing.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I always spoke the language with my host family and in public settings, and also with other students and friends. People were mostly good about letting me practice and didn't try to speak to me in English (though usually because they did not speak it).

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• Local Students