Life-changing experience in a beautiful country filled with wonderful people! Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature, Salve Regina University) - abroad from 07/17/2013 to 07/15/2014 with

ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much Spanish that I am very very proficient and comfortable speaking. It was definitely worthwhile!

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): Valparaíso and Viña del Mar - Courses with Locals in Multiple Disciplines Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Valparaíso and Viña del Mar - Courses with Locals in Multiple Disciplines Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Valparaíso and Viña del Mar - Courses with Locals in Multiple Disciplines Photo International Studies Abroad (ISA): Valparaíso and Viña del Mar - Courses with Locals in Multiple Disciplines Photo

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.

Taking classes with locals is very challenging but a great experience! It will really aid in learning all types of conversational Spanish.

* 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?

Living somewhere for a year gives you the best way to be involved in the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program helped me find a good doctor for my needs.

* 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)

As long as you budget, it is easy to save money while abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe 30$ maximum if I splurged.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at home as much as possible since it's included in your program fees!

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? Intermediate
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? Advanced
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? Practice before you go, and be open to constructive criticism so you can learn the language quickly!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Support System in Chile
  • Trip to Pucón
  • ELAP internship/service learning
* What could be improved?
  • transportation included
  • host family
  • orientation food/meals included
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not all host families are the dream families but it teaches you to be flexible and to accept different styles. I also wish I knew that the summer in between my two semesters was not included in the fees.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'