Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Semester abroad valparaiso Past Review

By (Nursing, University of Alaska - Anchorage) for

ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! It was one of the most fun and exciting years of my life. And I learned a language, made friends all over the world. Seeing and experiencing other cultures impacted my worldview positively.

Personal Information

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.

The main building was a cool older building, great professors, nice classrooms. Setting up your schedule was very flexible. The ISA office arranged tutors for people who were struggling.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The ISA staff was absolutely amazing

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Host family was great! Only a couple of people had any issues and the isa staff was fast to help them out.

* Food:

completos & seafood empanadas yum

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Torres del paine was amazing. Chileans throw a wicked barbaque, the independence day festivities are really fun, the capital has some historic sites regarding the golpe del estado, that are very moving.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Just take your general big city precautions.

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
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Everyone. You could find people that spoke English but it wasn't rampant.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Chileans were all warm and inviting, you could go up to just about anybody and ask them if you could practice Spanish with them, and you'd have a new buddy. Including the ISA staff they were so nice and helpful
* What could be improved?
  • Can't really think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Get out there meet some locals, hang out with your host family. Don't just hang out with gringos and talk in English the whole time. Don't skype your family/bf every single day, you'll just miss them more, and get out and have fun less.