How Chile changed my life!!!!!!! Past Review
By Fielder F (Anthropology., Towson University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Valparaíso/Viña del Mar, Chile
Wow, I have learned to become more independent and how to rely on myself and became less co-dependent in the process. I've also matured and learned a lot of Spanish.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I would agree that 3/5 of my classes were very well structured and thourough. The other two were kind of joke and you could tell the teacher did not really put much effort into the class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was very well organized and on top of everything. My only complaint is that when they give tours that they would split us up into smaller groups, often times I felt as though I was being herding around. But other than that I have no complants. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was a great experience. My family was very kind and warming and I feel that living with them has really helped me to learn more about the Chilean culture as perferred to another type of housing. |
| * Food: |
N/A |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The most memorable events had to be the politcal advocacy of the cost of public schooling and the building of an electric dam in Patagona. The passion Chileans have for these subjects moves me and it is impressive to see people take a strong stance and protest and go on strike for there causes. Also I was very impressed with the nightlife, I was always meet with warm greetings from Chileans when I would go out for drinks and took advantage of this to practice my Spanish. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The only satfey issue is with pickpocketing. This is very frequent but can be easily avioded if you are careful and just try not to carry to much money with you at all times. ALso, they have very good healthcare, I had to go to the doctors for a fungus I got and waited no more then 10 minutes to be seen my a doctor and the problem was solved over night. The only complaint I have are with fleas, which will not go away. But I feel like it is inevitable being a foriegner not to have a reaction to this with all the stray dogs that are around. |
| 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? | I spent 40 luca a week, equivalent to 90 dollars, which I feel is good considering the high cost of items in this country. Most of my money went to drinks, transportation to school and out, and ciggarettes, and occasionally snack foods. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would say an extra 50 luca for unexpected medical emergenices, thats all. |
Language
| 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? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want to challenge yourself, and take a chance come to Chile. It is such a diverse country with so many places to see. Also if you want to travel around LA it is a great country to chose, only a bus ride away from Argentina and Peru. It is also the safest country in all of LA. So take the chance, what are you waiting for...... |
