Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Chile all day Past Review

By (Spanish and Iberian Studies, Xavier University) - abroad from 01/08/2018 to 05/05/2018 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 was absolutely worth while, I learned so much about Latin American culture, global politics, and a lot of independence.

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.

Classes were challenging, but very interesting and the professors were flexible, as well as very understanding that this is a study abroad experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Jorge, Paulina, and Ignacio are some of the greatest people you'll meet in Chile. They're so much fun, easy to talk to, always happy to give a recommendation, but most importantly phenomenal at their jobs!!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Don't go to Santiago for the food honestly. There are a lot of good food options (peruvian restaurants, street vendors, etc.) and it's not bad, but it won't be the best food you've ever had. DON'T LET THAT DETER YOU!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Take the dance class!! It'll give you the coolest Chilean friends and lots of fun stories!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to make a few doctors/ER visits for minor issues. There are plenty of doctors who speak English and they were all quick and very helpful. Plus the directors are (once again, great at their jobs) and help you out with setting up appointments near your housing and helping you get there.

* Safety:

Your biggest issues will be pick pocketing (as with any major city). Just be aware of your surroundings and use common sense when you go out. I never had any problems but it isn't uncommon!

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)

The metro will add up. Try packing a lunch for class or budgeting specifically for which places you'll eat when. You'll get a hang of the currency and how much it generally costs!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $35

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 410
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? Make friends, go out with them, use Spanish even when you don't really want to (especially with friends!)

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The directors of the program
  • How cheap and easy it is to travel
  • The classes/professors
* What could be improved?
  • Find a way to incorporate Chilean students into the expereince
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The metro is going to cost more than you think, budget your money accordingly. Also, in general make sure you research all the things you want to do and budget for those, don't let money hold you back from too many experiences because you don't know if/when you'll get to come back!

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!