My amazing semester in Chile. Past Review

By (Rice University) - abroad from 02/24/2019 to 07/13/2019 with

IFSA: Valparaiso - Chilean Universities Program, Valparaiso

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I grew as a person and definitely expanded my worldview. I wish I could go again!

Review Photos

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

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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?

* 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)

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 400
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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 friends
  • The food
  • The country
* What could be improved?
  • On staff organization
  • Immersion w mentors
  • Host family selection
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How hard it would be to transition back to life at your home university.