GO TO CHILE Past Review

By (University of the Pacific) - abroad from 07/25/2016 to 07/11/2016 with

IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In addition the language and culture, I learned a lot about myself and that alone was worthwhile.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago Photo IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago Photo IES Abroad: Santiago - Study in Santiago Photo

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.

The IES Abroad courses are amazing, particularly the Spanish courses (amazing professors in my opinion!). However, the direct enrollment can be a bit of an adventure. Organization can be confusing and your experience can completely change between departments and campuses

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff is great and caring; they want to help you. However, I did feel that sometimes they were spread to thin to be able to give each student the help they needed. Also, an independent person for student issues would be a great addition to the team so that students can have more confidence bringing up the concerns.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a conflict with my first host family, but IES Abroad got me moved into a new home fairly quickly. I fell in love with my second family! I believe I've made a lifetime relationship and recommend that others try living with a Chilean family as well. While not everyone will fall in love with their family as I did, it's a great learning experience.

* Food:

Although typical Chilean foods aren't always the most exciting, my host mom was a great cook and you can find lots of different kinds of food in the city if you want to eat out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think I took longer to integrate than some of my IES Abroad friends, but by the end of my year in Santiago, I felt more at home in Chile than I do... well, at home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The CISI insurance is a must! It covered everything from doctors appointments to physical therapy, which was great for me! I actually sprained my ankle during the short time I was abroad not under IES Abroad and without insurance, though. It was totally manageable and I would say the health care I received met US standards.

* Safety:

I felt VERY safe in Santiago. Only thing to always be careful for are pickpockets.

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

I would choose the same program solely for my Spanish classes. I loved those classes because of how much I learned in them.

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)

If you have self control, sticking to a budget is definitely doable, but you may want to consider that your abroad friends will want you to travel and eat out with which can add up if done carelessly.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Travel: book hostels. beds in a multiperson dorm is usually cheaper travel by bus and avoid Turbus as they tend to have the highest prices Food: many places offer a "menu" instead of or in addition to a "carta." This is a daily offer that is limited but much more economic Also, empanadas are delicious and depending on your appetite, can be rather filling Transport: Depending on where you're living, a bikesantiago card can save you a lot in the city. If staying for a year, you can save a lot by applying for a student metro card. Shopping: Anything in a mall such as Costanera or Arauco will be pricier (although, sometimes better quality)

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

Primary focus of the program!

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? Fluent
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don't hang around other English speakers so that you're forced to practice. Living with a host family and making local friends is a great way to insure you practice the language

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
  • Travel
  • Increase in confidence
* What could be improved?
  • Professionalism
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known where I could make friends. It took me a while to be able to make Chilean friends since their university life is very different from ours and less social.

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.