unpredictable Past Review
By A student (Spanish Secondary Education, Psychology, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 05/29/2013 to 07/26/2013 with
University of Northern Iowa: Arica - Culture and Intensive Spanish Program (CISP)
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I learned how important it is to stand your own; don't let others get you down and learn as much as possible because you're only there once...also don't be exclusive.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not take the taxis or collectivosss. Also, be careful with the shopping; everything is cheap... |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Intro to Spanish Translation |
| 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? | Yes...I would suggest going to hang out with native Chileans...even if it's just one or 2 of you...It's a lot easier to just talk in English the whole time if there's a big group of Americans...get out of your comfort zone. Also, don't shut yourself out at home...participate in conversation and I would suggest not having another student in the home if you are shy/ or if you have less experience with Spanish. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how much I would want to be alone...because it's hard to deal with not being able to express everything...Also, get in a routine. Don't let the Chilean thing give you an excuse to sleep and not do anything...make plans with the Chileans |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
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