Would recommend to anyone! Past Review

By (University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/01/2012 to 07/31/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Arica - Culture and Intensive Spanish Program (CISP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a priceless knowledge of culture and language. I made friends that I will keep in contact with for a long time. I would recommend this experience to anyone.

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Arica - Culture and Intensive Spanish Program (CISP) Photo University of Northern Iowa: Arica - Culture and Intensive Spanish Program (CISP) Photo University of Northern Iowa: Arica - Culture and Intensive Spanish Program (CISP) Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad de Tarapaca
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The organization was frustrating at times, but that is another cultural difference.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 dollars, however it was not necessary to spend much money at all
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You only live once, so don't be too thrifty. However, when shopping for souvenirs, many of the vendors have similar products, so look around for the best deal.

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

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Intensive language program
  • Culture and host families
  • Week trip to Machupicchu
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Start and end date
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The weather there is very temperate. I did not know what clothes to wear. Any clothing that you would wear in the states is very wearable in Chile.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.