Summer Studies at University of Chile, La Catolica Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The experience in the classroom depended, for the most part, on the professor of the class. I had a few great professors who were very open to foreign students and really tried to alter assignments to cater to our abilities. On the other hand, I had one professor who was very vague in his teaching style, arbitrary in his grading, and made the class very unenjoyable.

On-site administration of your program

I felt well taken care of, emails were informative, and I always received prompt replies. They seemed to know the country well and provided us with a very good introduction to what to expect upon arrival. I thought the program was a perfect size. I felt that more information could have been supplied on the flight down (where we were meeting, etc) and also about courses previously taken by students in the program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with an older woman and a live-in nanny (house-keeper/cook) in Ñuñoa, right outside Santiago center. My host-neices and nephews were always around, providing an endless form of entertainment. My host-mother was very opinionated, eccentric, and Religious, but only wanted the best for me. Life in the house was very regimented and, at times, frustrating. The religious pressure was, at times, a bit too much. It was nice, though, living so close to the center of the city. <br /><br /> In general, I did enjoy my stay! They were very welcoming and made me part of the family - both the cute aspects and the family drama.

The food was prepared each night by my nana and was delicious. They did force me to eat 4-5 course lunches and dinners if I was home which left me in pain. No snacks in the house. If you are every hungry and walking around a sopaipillas/mote con huesillos will provide a cheap and filling solution!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I traveled quite a bit while down in Chile which was amazing and a must for anyone who will be down there. The trips that I was able to take were amazing and once-in-a-lifetime kind of experiences¡

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe both security wise and health concern wise. Our program director would address any medical problems right away.

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

I think that a good basis in Spanish was very helpful in bonding with my host family and understanding and appreciating all the humorous situations around me. Chilean Spanish took a little getting used to, but over all, I learned a lot!

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• Host Family

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• International Students