memorable January 22, 2023
By A student (Psychology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/03/2022 to 12/22/2022 with
API (Academic Programs International): Volunteer Abroad Programs in Chile
improving my Spanish, getting out of my comfort zone when it comes to socializing, trying new foods. it was so worth it!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
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? |
|
| * Safety: |
Pickpockets are a notable occurrence that happens with tourists in Costa Rica. It is important to move your items within your reach (i.e., put your phone in your front pocket, move your backpack to the front) |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
people were very understanding and accommodating, the trips were memorable, my host family was lovely, and I learned so much about Central American culture |
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) |
It could not be easy to manage money sometimes since I would like to go on excursions. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | plan to save as much money as possible |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 2 |
| 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? | learning apps such as Duolingo listening to Spanish music watching programs in Spanish |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | more spanish |
