Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Such a Great Experience! Past Review

By (Chemistry/Spanish, Wofford College) - abroad from 01/06/2013 to 01/28/2013 with

IES Abroad: Santiago January Term - Health Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the healthcare system and differences between the United States and Chile. I also learned to live independently and collaborate with my friends and students in the program to do things I wasn't normally used to. These experiences definitely made it worthwhile!

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:

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? $600
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to save up for excursions outside the program classes as well as for attending events within the city.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second year Spanish course
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? Try and get a dictionary or language supplement to practice with before you leave! It will really help.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Chilean attitude - great work ethic, but know how to relax and enjoy themselves
  • Cultural aspects of Santiago
* What could be improved?
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I planned out excursions ahead of time because by the time we wanted to do something as a group, everything was last minute and some expenses were higher than expected (i.e. airfare).

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!