Volunteering in Valpo! Past Review
By Francesca R (Volunteer, University of Kentucky) - abroad from 05/15/2014 to 06/15/2015 with
ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained valuable professional experience, as I was able to work with in the field with a psychologist at a local Special Education Center. I also gained confidence in my speaking abilities and independence skills. It was more than worthwhile!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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 |
The on-site staff was so welcoming, helpful, and friendly! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The Chilean food was DELICIOUS! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My host family and friends really allowed me to experience 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? |
Yes
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would definitely encourage a participant to plan out their anticipated expenses before leaving the country. This makes it so much easier once you get there (especially with the exchange rates). |
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? | 4 |
| 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? | Do not be afraid to make mistakes...that is the best way to learn! Listening to the local Chileans will make you a better Spanish speaker as well. Try to speak as little English as possible! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I wish I would have chosen a longer program. Being there for longer than a month would have made it possible for me to do more exploring and traveling! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
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