International Center is awesome Past Review

By (Bowling Green State University) - abroad from 05/21/2012 to 07/13/2012 with

Adelante: Valparaiso/Vina del Mar - Intern in Valparaiso/Vina del Mar

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that Chilean people are very friendly and fun to talk to. I gained valuable experience during my internship for my future career as an ESL teacher.

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

This rating is for the administration at International Center, not the Adelante program administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Chilean food is pretty disappointing; mostly hot dogs and Westernized 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

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? Advanced
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? Graduate courses in Spain
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? Meet Chileans

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • The staff at the International Center and the Chilean people in general
* What could be improved?
  • Don't waste your money with Adelante, go right to the International Center.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Adelante is just a middle man and the International Center does all the work.