Bacan! (Awesome) Past Review
By John Herrera (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 05/25/2018 to 07/31/2018 with
USAC Chile: Santiago - Spanish Language, Latin American Cultures, Journalism, and International Studies
I gained the perspective of Latin American people that you don't consider in the United States. I got to see some of the most breathtaking geography in the world and be part of a group as well.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes weren't too difficult, but challenging enough to improve your Spanish. There were readings, exams, papers, and a presentation. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Jorge, Pauli, and Ignacio were always willing to help you out and make you feel welcome. They also encouraged us to explore while in Latin America. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The families that hosted me were welcoming and it was good to learn about the typically Chilean family and Chilean ways of thinking while living with such a family. Unfortunately, there is no central heating in Chilean homes so you have to pack warm clothes. |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing. I was able to have home cooked meals that I looked forward to in the evenings. I also got to interact with my host family. Pretty tasty overall. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You really get a sense of how the Chilean people think and learn about how they view world events and history. I felt a part of the family when watching the World cup or the news. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Chile is generally pretty safe, you don't have to worry about being harmed. You do have to watch out for pickpockets on the metro and on the streets. They can take your things before you know they are. there. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The combination of low price, cultural immersion, and good friends made this trip worth it. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $30-$50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eating food from street vendors can save you a lot of money. Also, be economical in how many times you ride the metro. |
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 |
We were required to speak Spanish in class, but could have casual conversations with each other in English apart from the Field Study. |
| 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 301 |
| 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? | Learn from the classes and try speaking to your host family/Chileans you interact with. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | Dress warm if you go during the Summer (Chilean Winter). Take time to see the sights of Santiago or other locations. |
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! |
