Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

There is something about Arica... Past Review

By (Tesol, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/01/2012 to 07/31/2012 with

University of Northern Iowa: Arica - UNI Culture and Intensive Spanish Program in Arica

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to become a part of Chilean culture and challenge myself to take chances. It was worth it in the end to know that I had done my best and taken advantage of my opportunities there.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10

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? 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? Advanced Writing
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? Don't hang out with the students from UNI as much if you want to practice your Spanish more. Make your intentions clear with the "primos" of how much you want to practice Spanish.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • I enjoyed our classes and how approachable and understanding the professors were.
  • The Primos of the host university were wonderful friends and guides to us.
* What could be improved?
  • I sometimes felt uncomfortable with my host family because of their social status. I wasn't able to ever connect with them as well as I could with my primo's middle class family. I wish that their family could've hosted instead.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you really want to learn and use more Spanish, it will be a challenge. Don't expect to feel like you are getting better each day, it's more of a roller-coaster effect - there are days where you feel wonderful and are improving a lot and then there are days when you feel very insecure and unintelligent. But that is normal. It is worth it in the end if you know what you want coming into the program.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!