Field-based semester combining research, exploration, and cultural immersion. July 20, 2026
By A student (Environmental Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/27/2026 to 05/08/2026 with
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Chile – Climate Studies in Patagonia
Learned a ton about environmental politics and conservation practices, comparing how it is done differently in Chile compared to the US. Got to learn about how the US and Western influence Chile. Learned about the ecological and social history of southern Chile.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administration was excellent throughout the semester. Staff were approachable, responsive, and always willing to help with academic, logistical, or personal questions. Communication was clear, and I felt well supported from arrival through the end of the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program did an excellent job promoting cultural integration through community engagement, field experiences, and cultural activities. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 is that it isn’t a language immersion program, which naturally limits opportunities for deeper engagement with the local community. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
It is 5 stars but largely because you pay for a student meal plan. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
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 |
You are encouraged and there are opportunities where you must speak and learn spanish. It is very possible to do the program without spanish speaking experience, but you will have to rely on students that speak better spanish for many things and may miss out on opportunities. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 104 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | Bring warm clothing. |
