Valparaiso: Lots of slang but a great learning experience! Past Review
By Samantha S (sociology, Trinity University) for
IFSA: Valparaiso - Chilean Universities Program, Valparaiso
better spanish and a better grasp on south american culture
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad de Santa Maria, Universidad de la Catolica Valparaiso |
| 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. |
workload was pretty average. less than trinity but more than I wanted being abroad |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
weakness was that my host family placement was not the best. strength was the beautiful location |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
the food was good and my host mom always cooked for me! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
we had great excursions |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
it was pretty safe but there were places you need to avoid |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | give yourself a budget... but check the money conversion rate BEFORE you get there |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
not many people spoke english, only the american students did. but I probably learned the most from my host family |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | talk to chileans all you can!!! |
