Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Humbling Adventure Past Review

By (New Media, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 08/21/2013 to 12/06/2013 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?
My independence, acceptance, and urge to travel and learn about different cultures grew exponentially.

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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? 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)

Transportation, and bars are expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Limit taxi rides and sue public transportation. Bring snacks for lunch,

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 400
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 the locals and make friends in your program that aren't afraid of submersing themselves in the foreign culture.

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
  • International 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?
  • Meeting new people and having great directors.
  • The included trips were great.
  • Proximity to the mountains, beach, and lake region of Chile.
* What could be improved?
  • Immersion with local students.
  • Use of more of the universities campuses.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Xoom.com is a great way to get a high exchange rate for your dollars. Most people are less scary than you think if you take the time to engage in a conversation with them.

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.