Santiago: Getting to know a city of seven million Past Review
By A student (Journalism, Northwestern University) - abroad from 07/23/2017 to 12/12/2017 with
IFSA: Santiago - Chilean Universities Program, Santiago
I gained a much broader knowledge of the Spanish language, especially in its everyday conversational use, as well as a greater appreciation for the trials of navigating a new culture. I think having the new perspectives that result from the experience make it worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not as rigorous as a U.S. University, some professors and students don't take classes very seriously, but overall good experience |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Wonderful staff, always available and helpful, very knowledgable, fun, helped us make the most of our individual experiences |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was lucky enough to be placed with a great host family: very kind, friendly, welcoming, helpful, comfortable living, very accommodating |
| * Food: |
Chile is not necessarily known for its cuisine, but my host family was sure to accommodate my tastes and Santiago has plenty of great restaurant/cafe/street food options |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt I gained a lot of knowledge about the people and culture, even though I wasn't necessarily as integrated as I once imagined |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't experience any health issues |
| * Safety: |
A couple friends got their phones stolen, but as long as you pay attention and are smart you will be fine |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The setting was great for learning and exploration, met most of my interests in nature and travel goals, although the people and culture weren't the warmest. |
Finances
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* 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) |
I was able to be very frugal thanks to my host family's generosity and accommodation and the program's resources |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $10 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be cognizant of where you are spending money: try your best to spend on experiences, not things |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
All instruction, direction, host family conversation was in Spanish |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 220 |
| 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? | Speaking with my host family was key for me; be sure to create good connections with family, classmates, professors, friends, etc. to be able to speak freely and voice any questions easily |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Making friends with Chileans at Santiago universities is much more difficult than at U.S. universities: it's important to put in a conscious effort, go beyond your comfort zone |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
