Wonderful experience, though the program could use some work Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes I took (Track IV, Native Cultures from the North, Latin American Politics, and Economic Development) were very interesting but you could hardly call them rigorous. Of course, that might not be a bad thing. I certainly learned a lot regardless. Julián (Track IV prof) was awesome!

On-site administration of your program

Jorge, Brenda, and Luis are amazing and the program support is superb. Take advantage of your time with them!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really liked my host family, and from what I understand, most people in my program had a positive experience with their host families. Plus, if there's an issue, there is always the possibility of switching families.

So, with the homestay, your family feeds you breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and breakfast lunch and dinner on weekends. Honestly, in general Chilean food is quite bland and not too special. But do take advantage of the really fresh and delicious fruits and veggies.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our main way to integrate with the local culture is through the host families, which is wonderful, but not enough. This program does not (currently) offer classes with local students, though I know they're working on it. If you go on this program, start very early trying to find ways to get involved. Join meet-ups, go to the gym just around the corner and find out when they have intermurals and classes. Please. If you don't, you will regret it at the end of the semester.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to a doctor twice for a foot issue I had. My program did help me find the doctor's office and deal with my insurance paperwork. The doctor's office itself was clean and the doctors were professional - it was pretty much like healthcare in the states.

Overall, Santiago is pretty safe for what it is - a city of 6 million people. The violent crime rate is very low (though it can happen) but the petty theft rate is very high. I was told once to always carry some cash so that if someone were to try to rob me I'd have something to give them to satisfy them. And of course, if you are ever robbed, just comply with the thief - your health is more important than whatever they might take. I did have an ipod stolen on a bus (out of my purse - I didn't notice it being taken). Honestly, you do need to be smart. Find out where the bad areas are and stay out of them at night. Travel in groups. Make sure you know how you're getting home before you go out so you don't get stuck in a crappy area. But, realize that taking all these precautions is never a guarantee. Crime prevention is 10% common sense and 90% good luck.

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

Because we didn't have to buy all our own food while we were there, the weekly costs were pretty low. Be warned, though, that Santiago and Chile are not as cheap as many other Latin American countries. You can get a very good lunch for less than $5, or less than $2 if you make it yourself. Going out on weekends can get expensive fast (especially if you plan to taxi home). Transportation (ie. metro or bus) is a little more than $1 in one direction, so it comes out to at least $15 a week to get to campus and back, plus whatever extra traveling you do.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• Program staff
• Host families
• Interesting classes

• Classes with local students
• Providing information about ways to get involved with local students

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer