Best post-university travel Past Review

By (Bachelor of Planning (Urban Planning), The University of Auckland) - abroad from 02/02/2013 to 04/28/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My work placement was the best part out of this programme. I gained valuable experience and skills from my internship at the architecture office. It definitely made my resume stood out when I applied for jobs at home. Overseas internship shows courage, commitment and adaptability skills in becoming accustomed to a new work environment and system. It also shows strong motivation and personal resilience in learning a new language quickly and put into practice when dealing with clients and negotiate with other team members. I believe that this internship has played a major role in my success in securing a permanent job within my field. I am now working as a city planner in a local council.

Personal Information

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Meeting other travelers and locals and develop some great friendships
  • Learning to live like a local and speak Spanish everyday
  • Travelling to different parts of Chile and other countries in South America
* What could be improved?
  • Adelante could become more active in the social aspect of the programme, such as organising meetings between new and old exchange students to make them feel welcomed
  • Housing could be arranged better if one wants to live with other people as room mates
  • Host family with little children could become too much for someone who is experiencing cultural and language differences and having to adapt
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learning the local Chilean slangs that do not exist in Spanish classes outside of Chile. These local slangs they use every day can be confusing!