Most of us exchange students are looking for ways to stay! Past Review

By (UCSC Chile (Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción)) - abroad from 02/22/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

UCSC Chile: Concepcion - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living in Concepcion and studying at UCSC definitely improved our language skills and increased our exposure to local culture and people a lot more than what other friends had at other universities. Definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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:

As a vegetarian, it's a little harder for everyone, but our host family tried very hard o be accommodating!

* 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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's cheaper to rent a house with other flatmates than a full board pension, especially if you travel a lot, though this may be harder to find and adjust to at first.

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? 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? university introductory courses
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? Live with local students and try and take subjects that are more social

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Far less international students than in other programs meant more exposure/integration with locals
  • Program staff always accessible, friendly and helpful
* What could be improved?
  • The disparate spanish ability of students in first semester meant classes were not always relevant
  • More integration with local students during first semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you're used to a balmy climate, have a good long look at what the weather is like in Southern Chile!