Wish I Could Go Back Past Review
By A student (Spanish Language and English Literature, Smith College) - abroad from 08/27/2018 to 12/13/2018 with
SIT Study Abroad: Chile - Cultural Identity, Social Justice, and Community Development
I gained so many cultural insights, improved my Spanish astronomically, and met really interesting and vibrant people.
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. |
There were Spanish classes that met daily and lectures in the afternoon on a variety of topics. I didn't find this program to be overly academic; in fact, I feel like the real learning came from cultural integration -- from conversations and observations and travel throughout the country. The 1-month independent research project was a highlight for me. You're given the opportunity to elect a theme and are permitted to travel anywhere in the country to conduct that project. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was led by really interesting and passionate administrators. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The 3 homestays we had throughout the program is where my Spanish improved the most. The program does a really great job of matching students with families and, if the family doesn't work for you for whatever reason, the program staff is good about moving you to another family. |
| * Food: |
I wasn't overwhelmed by the food, but I will say that I had some of the best avocados, tea, and honey of my life. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The program staff (and host families) repeatedly reminded us to always stay together when going out at night (especially true for the women on the program). There were a couple of potentially scary incidents (nothing dangerous, just scary) that reinforced that. |
| 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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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 |
| 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? | Movies, books, podcasts |
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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| 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? | Chileans eat a lot of hot dogs for dinner and don't drink coffee |
