The best life changing experience of my life! Past Review

By (University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 08/25/2010 to 12/15/2010 with

USAC Chile: Santiago - Spanish Language, Latin American Cultures, Journalism, and International Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It is hard to pick the things that I learned because there were many. One thing I would say is that I learned to be more independent. It was worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program has really high academic standards!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration always do their best to support their students in anything they need. I could always go to them and they would helped me with any questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing is located in a safe area of Santiago. Families always help you with anything you need.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel that the administrators always look for events so students can have the opportunity to meet new people and get more involve in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I was in Santiago, I felt sick and I contacted the staff and they made a Doctor's appointment for me. I attended the clinic and they really had a great service, it was much better than I thought. I could say that it was similar to the US.

* Safety:

I lived in a safe neighborhood

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? beginning composition
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Get involve in any event that the program offers. Also, look for activitities to do in the city.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Field trips
  • Classes
  • Host family
* What could be improved?
  • Offer more classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Different places to visit around Santiago

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!