Thank you, API! March 12, 2021
By Kendra Nusbaum (Winona State University) - abroad from 01/24/2020 to 03/17/2021 with
API (Academic Programs International): Valparaíso, Chile - Pontifícia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am beyond grateful for the study abroad experience as it allowed me to dive deep into a culture I had only ever learned about in the classroom. I found meaningful ways to develop my Spanish skills and confidence to speak the language. Lastly, I stepped out of my comfort zone and was open to all the wonders of South America, making memories of a lifetime! Now, I will always feel connected to another place and people.
Review Photos
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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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 |
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| 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 |
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?
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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? | Often an itinerary will not go as planned, but that's ok because adventure can happen when least expected - be open to all the experiences! The most language improvement will come after conversations with your host family, whether it's spending time after dinner talking with them, that time is irreplaceable and helps develop your language more than you even realize! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
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