Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Chile: where the mountains, surprises, and sunsets are infinite and spectacular. Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 07/07/2014 to 08/15/2014 with

ECELA: Santiago - Spanish Immersion School in Chile

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself. I went into the program independently and more or less blindly. I had no idea what it was going to be like. This trip taught me to adapt... to winter when it's supposed to be summer, to people running into me blatantly on the sidewalks, to the food being vastly different than I expected. I also was able to make really close friendships and new family members and that was extremely important to me. I would say it was worthwhile you just need to be prepared mentally.

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?

I never had any health issues so I cannot comment.

* Safety:

I wouldn't go out alone, but be aware of your surroundings just as you should be in any city.

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

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? Maybe $70 but it varied occasionally
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to save money especially the first week because you don't know the area. I found myself spending the most money my first two weeks just because I didn't know the area and I didn't know where to buy things so I ended up buying them at the most expensive places. Only buy your essentials and ask your host family or other students they are extremely helpful.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Spanish Grammer
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? Listen to music, read... anything to expose yourself to the language as much as possible.

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?
  • AMAZING TEACHERS
  • Weekend trips out of the city
  • Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • weekend trip planning
  • money management
  • closer to the school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been better able to plan weekend trips because when I finally felt comfortable to go on them I absolutely fell in love with the country. The outskirts of the city and the other cities in Chile are spectacular! Camping and hiking are my passion though so it depends on the person.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.