Good Past Review

By (Wartburg College) - abroad from 08/22/2017 to 12/15/2017 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?
I learned how to be an effective/cheap traveler while being safe. I also learned how to be resourceful.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

The culture is not that diverse in comparison to that of the US.

* 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? No

I just do not think the culture was there or on my standards. i want something diverse and unique. It is like Chicago to me. I loved the mountains for skiing and hiking, but that was about all.

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? Around $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not purchase alcohol in establishments at all costs. Find a safe place to do so, and/or just save money for travel.

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? College Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • No classes on Friday
* What could be improved?
  • Distance from host family to school.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That going to a program in a smaller city will be more diverse and create for a better experience.