Amazing experience in Chile!! Past Review

By (Civil Engineering, Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 07/25/2016 to 11/25/2016 with

IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and gained a lot of Spanish skills.

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

Incredibly genuine people who are extremely kind and helpful!

* 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 had to go to the hospital a few times when I got sick, and I was well taken care of in terms of IES staff, insurance, hospital facilities, and doctors.

* 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)

You only ever needed to pay for food if you wanted to go out to eat. All meals were provided for through homestay except for 2 meals on the weekends. However, it was easy to find cheap meals if you did not fell like spending a lot. However, traveling on the weekends was my biggest cost which got a little pricier compared to the rest of South America.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20 not including weekend excursions
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go out to the restaurant with your friends to be social and talk, but consider not eating anything there to save money or only get a drink or an appetizer.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 level
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Listen to music, watch TV shows, just surround yourself 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
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?
  • The staff
  • My peers
* What could be improved?
  • Closer proximity of host students to each other
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not be scared to just speak and make mistakes in Spanish. People are very understanding and want you to improve.

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!