An incredible, unforgettable experience Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Trinity University) - abroad from 02/19/2014 to 07/13/2014 with

IFSA: Valparaiso - Chilean Universities Program, Valparaiso

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot, more about myself, more about another country and different worldviews. A lot of what I learned was from experiences, which was supported in the classroom. I had always dreamed of spending time in another country, and gained a lot of perspective.

Review Photos

IFSA-Butler: Valparaiso - Chilean Universities Program Photo IFSA-Butler: Valparaiso - Chilean Universities Program Photo IFSA-Butler: Valparaiso - Chilean Universities Program Photo IFSA-Butler: Valparaiso - Chilean Universities Program Photo IFSA-Butler: Valparaiso - Chilean Universities Program Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We took classes at Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso and la Santa Maria. We were allowed to take almost anything. All of my classes were in Spanish. I took 2 through my program (Spanish and History), one through the university for all international students, and 2 with Chileans. Since none of my teachers spoke English, the main difficulties were language barriers. If those classes had been in English, they would have been much easier than what I'm used to, but the language provided the challenge. That said, I still learned a lot, and professors were very understanding of my somewhat more limited abilities, always available by email and very helpful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff are AMAZING. Mark and Pame have offices in the International Programs wing of the Catolica, and are almost always available. They're incredibly helpful, emailing us frequently and always checking up on us to see how classes were, tutoring/ help hours were offered, they were phenomenal.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a lovely host family (Mom and college aged daughter) who made me feel right at home. I felt like they genuinely cared, and had an adorable apartment in a perfect location in the center of Valpo.

* Food:

To be honest, Chilean food is kind of hit and miss. A lot of it is soupier stuff because they tend not to use their ovens. There's not too much flavor in a lot, but they do have some amazing dishes. Bread is a huge thing here. So much bread. Breakfast was usually small, lunch was the big meal of the day, then a tea time in the evening (dinner is rare). The sweets were delightful, and I loved how available fresh fruits and veggies were, especially the avocado.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Though I felt at home, being a different race made me stand out significantly, and so I struggled with being constantly treated like a tourist even when I felt like a local. For the most part the people were kind and genuine, and Valpo is much different than Vina, which at times felt like the US. But the festivals and art and markets were incredible to go to. I also didn't spend much time out in the city, like afternoons, with Chileans. Most of my friends were girls from my program, and we were a tight knit bunch, but having Chileans to explore the city with would probably have changed the integration experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any major health concerns, but the girls in my program who did spoke to our directors and were sent to English speaking doctors, then usually reimbursed by the program insurance. I got a typhoid vaccine but didn't need it, no other major health concerns.. Dayquil and Nyquil aren't available there, but most everything else was, and home remedies are incredibly common.

* Safety:

One thing to keep in mind is that it is a city, and I was obviously not a local. Pickpocketing is an issue, but fanny packs and caution can solve that, just be careful at night, taxis are available, and colectivos are better. Gold jewelry is especially sought after, so it's best not to bring any of that at all, even not so valuable necklaces can get ripped off your neck. I never felt really unsafe, but it's best to not be by yourself, same rules of every big city. Cat calling happens, but you learn to ignore it.

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)

Since all my meals were included in the program costs, I basically just had to pay for transportation and travel, and any extra things that came up. I could usually walk to school, so that cut down costs, but a bus ride could be up to $1.00.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It helped to keep track of my spending, and those airline sales are awesome. For me, having a lunch packed for school was the best way to go about that.

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

We were encouraged to speak Spanish all the time.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Conversation and Composition.
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? Talk to your host family!

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

  • 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?
  • Excursions
  • Staff
  • Focus on culture
* What could be improved?
  • More events with Chileans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Immersion is hard work, especially in an unfamiliar dialect with a lot of new vocabulary, but it pays off. No matter where you are in the country, there is so much to take advantage of. It's definitely not a vacation, and Chile gets chilly believe it or not, but the experience is what you make it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Workshop on the Psychology of Creativity

Course Department: Elective at USM
Instructor: de Valle
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This class was incredibly easy, and I think 7 girls from my program took it, mostly for elective credit. We had a lot of fun in the hands on class doing group projects, and made some Chilean friends! It was interesting culturally to learn about problems Chile faces, and interesting to see how our world views and Chilean world views compared.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Sociopolitical History of Latin America (20th Century)

Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: I learned so much in this class. We learned mostly from powerpoints, it was small since it was only for my program, and we interacted with each other, clarifying and analyzing. It was a great intro to Latin America. We did focus on Chile, easy for case studies, and it was mostly South America rather than Latin America. A few papers, including a 10 final page paper, not much work but a lot of material. Excellent instructor.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.