Very Worthwhile Experience Past Review

By (Economics, Villanova University) - abroad from 07/14/2015 to 12/04/2015 with

CIEE: Santiago - Business + Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained experience adapting to new cultures and making friends with new people, as well as living as an individual and an adult.

Review Photos

CIEE: Santiago - Business + Culture Photo CIEE: Santiago - Business + Culture Photo CIEE: Santiago - Business + Culture Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Resident CIEE staff in Santiago are incredible—they do a great job of running the program and really care about the students.

* 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:

Be aware of popular tricks that thieves use to distract you in public places. Use common sense.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

CIEE Santiago Business & Culture provides plenty of great opportunities—if I were to do it again I would look forward to taking advantage of even more of these opportunities.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Expect to spend a lot on public transportation over the duration of the program.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? Talk to people a lot, even if you normally are not a very talkative person.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Host Family
  • Excursions
  • Resident Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Timing of excursions
  • Interaction between Business & Culture and Liberal Arts students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Many opportunities must be taken immediately, they will not wait for you.

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 Linguist
You 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!