"chi chi chi le le le vi va chi le" Past Review
By Benjamin D (Accounting and Spanish, Western Washington University) for
USAC Chile: Santiago - Spanish Language, Latin American Cultures, Journalism, and International Studies
yes. i would do it all over again in a heart beat. i think everyone should try to studya abroad. it will change your life for the better.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work load was fairly easy in comparison to regular classes in universities in the U.S. Teaching methods and grading systems were all standard and had a great experience in the class. The classes are small, aproximately 10 students which allows great interaction and involvment with the teachers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Overall the program was great. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I arranged my housing through USAC and received an amazing host family! My family was so welcoming and generous. I didnt need to buy anything upon arrival except for personal things such as cell phone. My house was located about 45 minutes away from school using public transportation and about 30 away from night life. My neighbor hood was safe and i loved my host family! |
| * Food: |
My house family made me fat. They fed me so much and i never went hungry. Overall a great experience. Chile has delicious food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program itself did not do much for social experiences. You were on your own for this aspect but none the less it was easy to emmerse yourself. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
My host country was safe and i never got sick. If i had there were plenty of good hospitals and services for you. |
| 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? |
I interacted with the program directors and my house family. I used foreign language in everyday interactions with people and found that about half of the people could speak a little english. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | the snow capped andes are an hour away from santiago with endless opportunities. the beaches of the coast are 1.5 hours from santiago with tons of opportunities as well. the driest desert on earth is in northern chile. one of the most rugged areas in the world (patagonia, tierra del fuego) are in southern chile. Chile has just about it all except tropical climates. also the ocean is very cold so dont expect to swim in the pacific every weekend with a pina colada. |
