Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, UCSC Chile (Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción)) - abroad from 08/04/2015 to 12/16/2015 with

UCSC Chile: Concepcion - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much and living abroad really opened my eyes to things I did not think of before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses in Chile are much more laid back and unorganized compared to the US. However that being said I had no exams and was treated different by professors because I was an exchange student

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It took about a week and a half to fully get settled with the class schedule but once I found the courses I was set.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Senora Isabel is an absolute angel. She cares so much for her students and does everything in her power to make us feel like Chile is our second home

* Food:

I will not miss the food there that much. I loved the completo machada y empanadas but other than that it didn't do much for me!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really put myself out there and felt like I left Chilean

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got the flu the end of my time there and because of the language barrier it was difficult to communicate

* Safety:

Felt relatively safe for the most part! Just be careful at night and watch your surroundings

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had the most incredible experience, I dove into the culture, met amazing friends, traveled some and saw first hand the student life.

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)

Was cheaper for me living and going to school there than the states

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I worked everyday during my summer break to save for my Chile semester abroad. My advice would be to have that extra spending money to be able to enjoy yourself and travel while you are there. Because you never know you may not be back or ever go back!

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

In concepcion, there is no one that speaks English really so it is a great city to go and fully submerse yourself in 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? 3000
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? I would say to practice as much as you can. Because without the conversational knowledge I had I would not have met some many life-long friends

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The hospitality and helpfulness
* What could be improved?
  • The classes and what will transfer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to fall in love with a Chilean, ha! Just kidding I don't regret that but now it is hard because I wonder a lot what could've happened.

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 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.