Valdivia: Rainy, Affordable, and Fun Past Review
By Marie S (Fairhaven Interdisciplinary Concentration, Western Washington University) for
Universidad Austral: Valdivia - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, I learned a lot about Spanish, my culture, Chilean culture, and myself
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were mediocre but the education I received outside of the classroom more than made up for it. The Centro de Idiomas on campus (where our program was based) had an EXTREMELY helpful and supportive staff and they were very involved in the program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were extremely helpful and always available. I can't say anything bad about them. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
My host family was very accommodating, although since I don't have any dietary restrictions (vegetarianism, allergies, etc.) I tried to eat almost everything that was offered to me. Chile is the home of delicious empanadas, completos (hot dogs piled with guacamole, tomatoes, and mayonnaise), and many potato dishes. Kunstmann (the biggest brewery in Valdivia) is a great place to go for food and beer, and it has a beer museum in the restaurant. The mall also sells Patagonian Doughnuts, which are divine. And speaking of dessert, lucuma ice cream is the best ice cream flavor you will ever taste, and only exists in a few countries in South America, so definitely try it. |
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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: |
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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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
No, most of the people in my city spoke Spanish, so I had the opportunity to practice every day in nearly all of my interactions, especially in my host family's house. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Valdivia is a small town that doesn't attract many tourists during the school year. If you're looking to live in a touristy town, don't go here. But if you'd like to live surrounded by Chileans as one of only a handful of US students, go to Valdivia! The city is adorable and friendly, and has the best karaoke scene around. |
