Incredible immersion/exploration semester! Past Review

By (University of Vermont) - abroad from 08/20/2019 to 12/02/2019 with

SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Comparative Education and Social Change

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Spanish skills (speaking particularly) increased exponentially. I learned about the education systems, cultures (urban & rural), political histories, and day-to-day life, all in great interesting detail. I also gained so much confidence in my self and clarity on the type of person I wanted to be.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

* 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

SIT is a great program because while its an incredible learning experience, it is a complete departure from your typical university classes and studies. You are immersed in the culture, in a rigorously hands-on/field studies program. You will be challenged and learn so much (that you never could have learned in a , but still come back to your university feeling refreshed and ready to

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)

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 100s level Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host families (we got to live with 3 different families!)
  • Traveling to different places within Chile/Argentina for seminars
  • Interesting seminars and guest speakers
* What could be improved?
  • Program size
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how small it would be. Generally, I believe SIT programs are 15-45 kids, but because of issues with the application system during my application season, there were only 6 kids on my program which was difficult at times. My only advice is to confirm the size of the program with you admissions counselor!! :)

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.