Studying in Arica was an exciting and invigorating experience! Past Review

By (Spanish/TESOL, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/03/2013 to 07/26/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Arica - Culture and Intensive Spanish Program (CISP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
CISP in Arica, Chile is definitely worthwhile if you are looking for an authentic immersion experience and culturally is very enriching. The Chileans are wonderful in welcoming and supporting the students through the experience and are eager to help. This experience was definitely life changing for me and I will never forget everything that I learned about Chilean life and I will always remember the lasting relationships that I made.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

* 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)

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • learning about Chilean culture
  • Chilean food
  • becoming friends with Chilean students
* What could be improved?
  • the academic rigor of the courses
  • organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more of the history of Chile before going on the program. Although I learned a great deal in Chile, it would have been useful if I had known more before my experience there.