Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Adventure I Will Always Remember! Past Review

By (Cottey College) - abroad from 01/10/2018 to 05/04/2018 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 gained intensive language skills, learned how to adapt to a culture different than my own, and I learned how to navigate a foreign city. It was most definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

I became sick during spring break, and I found that healthcare was very accessible. USAC also provides student with program insurance which can really come in handy.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe. In Santiago, public transportation is accessible and easy to use, so it felt like everything was connected. If I didn't like the area I was in, I could just hop on the metro and go somewhere else. The main thing to be careful of is pick-pocketing. I suggest carrying cross-body bags to keep the risk of being pick-pocketed low.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would choose the same program because Chile is an amazing country, rich in history and geographic beauty. Also, the program staff were very kind and helpful, both domestically and in Chile, and the program is very affordable. Also, the professors were great!

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40-$60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure you understand Chilean currency before you go and try not to eat out too much.

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? Spanish Literature
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? Talk to your host families and do your best to get to know the locals.

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?
  • excursions
  • professors
  • host family
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to interact with local students
  • Getting Chilean IDs all at once.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there is so much of Chile to see and that I should really take advantage of it. Do the big stuff in the beginning.

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.