An amazing, life changing, and liberating experience. Past Review

By (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 07/17/2016 to 12/10/2016 with

ISEP Exchange: Valparaíso - Exchange Program at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the Chilean people, language, and overall culture and also I learned about myself as person.

Review Photos

ISEP Exchange: Valparaíso - Exchange Program at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Photo ISEP Exchange: Valparaíso - Exchange Program at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Photo ISEP Exchange: Valparaíso - Exchange Program at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Photo ISEP Exchange: Valparaíso - Exchange Program at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Photo ISEP Exchange: Valparaíso - Exchange Program at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

other than a few hiccups in the beginning of the semester with classes, the administration was awesome

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved my family, still keep in contact, they did a great job with placement.

* Food:

All food at home was great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are many places to go and things to do that are inexpensive and help immerse individuals in the culture

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

ISEP was a great program that provided a safe and educational environment for þe students

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)

There were not many extra costs, but I did not know that I had to pay for transportation while there

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set a weekly budget for yourself as well as a travel budget for each of your trips in addition to your weekly budget.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Host Family
  • Classes
  • Ability to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Transportation
  • Classes offered that semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how and where to get an inexpensive Chilean phone plan

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!