My Crazy Spanish City-Life traveling in Chile. Past Review
By A student (Education, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 08/25/2015 to 12/11/2015 with
USAC Chile: Santiago - Spanish Language, Latin American Cultures, Journalism, and International Studies
I learned to look at my own country differently. I learned so much about Chile and other people's point of views and how they see Americans.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took my classes all in Spanish, the Professors were very caring and understanding. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was always someone I could talk to, I never felt alone. If there was a problem I knew who to go to. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family! Very caring and understanding people. My room was small but I had my own bathroom. My family was very inclusive and made me feel part of the family. |
| * Food: |
I had major culture shock when it came to the food. There was a lot of bread and very little vegetables. It wasn't the fault of my host family it was just the culture. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Pretty much everyone could pick you out of a crowd as an outsider, especially if you were blonde. But all of the locals were very friendly and willing to talk with you and include you in activities. Sometimes the language barrier is tough, but you get used to it. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I think the health care was very good. I didn't have any problems with my health while I was over there. But others who had broken bones or got ill were very well taken care of and the program had health care. |
| * Safety: |
Santiago is a big big city. So you just have to be hyper vigilant of your surroundings. You learn what areas not to go to at certain times of day. Petty crime is common so you have to be aware of your belongings. I felt safe in my home, school and my commute to school. |
| 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) |
Very easily, the exchange rate in Chile definitely benefited me. Food was not too expensive. Products like sunscreen, shampoo and conditioner were expensive. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $70 - $100, food, drinks, taxi, gifts, travel |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Watch how many nights you go out because taxi, food, and drink expenses add up every weekend. Also, save some money for random weekend trips because those come up and they are great to take advantage of. |
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 |
Most classes were taught in Spanish, you have the option. Living with a host family allows for mostly constant communication in Spanish. |
| 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? | 300 level |
| 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 a friend in the other country, who can help you speak the language. |
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? | How difficult Chilean Spanish is! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Track II |
| Course Department: | Spanish |
| Instructor: | Monica Espinoza |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | The instructor genuinely cares and pushes your learning and challenges you. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | The credits transfers and there were no problems. |
