Can't recommend it enough! Past Review
By Sydney Segal (Duke University) - abroad from 08/22/2016 to 12/05/2016 with
SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development
I became more independent, more go with the flow, and got a broader perspective in seeing the bigger picture. Definitely worthwhile.
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. |
This program was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I met such amazing people – host family, program staff, other students, etc. Valparaíso is such a fun and vibrant city, and I had a great time exploring the city and learning about Chilean culture and history. Definite highlights were the trip to a Mapuche community, improving my Spanish, and getting to explore Valpo with the friends I made. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Loved my host family so much! |
| * Food: |
Was surprised with how much bread and potatoes Chileans eat -- definitely not what I envisioned. However, my host mom was a great cook! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As my Spanish improved, I felt more and more comfortable in the local Chilean culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to go to the doctor once which was kind of chaotic, but the program staff were very helpful! |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program blew away all expectations I had. Such a special experience that I got to share with such amazing people. |
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? | <$100 on average |
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? | Advanced |
| 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? | Intermediate-Advanced (Spanish 204 at Duke) |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to make mistakes! |
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? | 0 |
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? | Just about the food |
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 Avid AdventurerThe 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. |
