Not what I expected, but a great experience all the same! Past Review

By (International Affairs, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 03/09/2015 to 07/03/2015 with

Universidad de Chile/ University of Chile: Santiago - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
All in all, my experience was very worthwhile. I had a great time, met wonderful people, and my Spanish really improved. I love Chile. But, my time was not without difficulties. The students in my university were striking for education reform for about 2 months, at the end of the semester. Classes were cancelled. It was stressful because I didn't know what was going on, and also, I really enjoyed my classes and being with my friends at the U. I would really recommend study abroad in Chile, but not at the University of Chile.

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 classes I took for my major were very challenging, added to the fact they were all in Spanish. The classes in the Anthropology Department were very good quality.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The adviser at my host university answered questions before my arrival, but once I began classes, she never answered my emails. The only way to settle doubts was to visit the office. There was a big lack of coordination between the Office of Student Mobility (study abroad) and the individual faculties, especially during the student strikes.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a student residence not associated with the university. It was affordable, quality student living. The social life in the residence was a huge part of my experience.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At my university, I knew very few other exchange students, so it was pure immersion in the Chilean university. At the residence there were a mixture of both foreigners and Chilean students, which was nice.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had an experience with health care, but friends had mixed reviews of the health care.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in Santiago. Some friends were pick-pocketed.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

Santiago is approximately as expensive as the US. My student budget was sufficient for living and personal expenses, but did not allow me to do as much traveling as I had hoped.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately $100 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out a lot. Take out a large sum of money from the ATM at a time, and set aside a portion for each week--ATM fees are hefty. Buy bus tickets ahead of time.

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

All of my classes were in a foreign language.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 490
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? Make friends with locals. Insist they don't talk to you in English. Read, watch TV, listen to music in the language. TALK!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • People
  • Santiago
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Communication
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known the strikes would last as long as they did. If I had, I would have traveled during some of the time that classes were cancelled.

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!