Great for those with little foreign experience, less so for the well-traveled Past Review
By Pat M (Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 02/01/2011 to 07/16/2011 with
ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Was it worthwhile? Yes and no. I was hoping for a little more of an authentic experience - less 'tourist-y'. Some of that was on me; I could have done more to try to get myself involved in the culture, but some of it was a result of the program trying to save us from being uncomfortable. On the other hand, I had a blast, and I'm still happy I went.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Viña del Mar |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 4th year of study |
| 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? | If your language skills are decent coming in, try to find independent housing with other students - it'll be far easier to make (non-American) friends |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Pensiónes aren't really much different from host families - if you want to live with students, arrange your own housing. |
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