Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Finally found what I had been searching for. Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/23/2019 to 07/13/2019 with

IFSA: Santiago - Chilean Universities Program, Santiago

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and about another culture. It was the most life changing experience. I plan on going back in just 3 short months.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Loved my classes, but got more out of interacting with Chilean students than anything.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved my host family, still talk to them!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Had a minor sinus infection while there but my advisor was very helpful and got refunded for everything.

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe.

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)

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
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? Talk to your host family as much as possible, make Chilean friends, tandem partner!!

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
  • 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?
  • My family
  • My friends
* What could be improved?
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Leave your options open.

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.