Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most terrifying yet exciting and rewarding experience of my life! Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 08/22/2012 to 12/07/2012 with

USAC Chile: Santiago - Spanish Language, Latin American Cultures, Journalism, and International Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and exactly what I am capable of. I learned that I can push myself way beyond my comfort zone and learn a new language, create a new life and even conquer some of my fears.

Review Photos

USAC: Santiago, Chile - Spanish Language and Latin American Studies Photo USAC: Santiago, Chile - Spanish Language and Latin American Studies Photo USAC: Santiago, Chile - Spanish Language and Latin American Studies Photo USAC: Santiago, Chile - Spanish Language and Latin American Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Well the courses were tough they were not overwhelming

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were all extremely helpful and understanding! They made the process that much easier and enjoyable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Though my host family was welcoming I was not a fan of the family pet and how I to keep all my stuff locked up the whole time.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the culture! Everything about it! However, the people were pretty rude and unwelcoming a lot of the times.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Though I felt safe most of the time, being in a large city I had to always be aware. I also was robbed during my week there.

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)

My family was very supportive and made sure I had more than enough money in my bank account, however it was still difficult to make my financial decisions and budgeting on a foreign currency.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I probably spent around $30-$40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget out any trips you want to go on before you leave! Don't get too caught up in the city's nightlife and walk when you can.

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? 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? 2 years of spanish in college
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? Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Talk to the locals and practice! It's the only way you'll get better.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The flexibility
  • The administration
  • The trips
* What could be improved?
  • Host families
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Only that class and credit transfers would be difficult with my home university

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.