Teaching in La Serena Chile Past Review
By Milton (University of California - Los Angeles / UCLA) - abroad from 10/10/2017 to 04/30/2018 with
Volunteer Chile La Serena: Orphanage Care Center
Language practice
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My local coordinator, Vilma was amazing. She made sure we had things to do on our days off. I didn’t really feel the need to ask her for any assistance, but I was confident that if I needed anything that I could depend on her. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My local coordinator, Vilma was amazing. She made sure we had things to do on our days off. I didn’t really feel the need to ask her for any assistance, but I was confident that if I needed anything that I could depend on her. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My accommodations were very pleasing and I was very satisfied. Silvia, our host mom was a very good cook and I was always looking forward to what she had prepared for us. I loved her rice. I’m not a fan of fish but Silvia made the best fried fish I have ever had. My host family was amazing and I didn’t miss my family at home since I had them for company and they made me feel comfortable in my new home. |
| * Food: |
Silvia, our host mom was a very good cook and I was always looking forward to what she had prepared for us. I loved her rice. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The host family was very nice and I found it very surprising how alike we were in terms of political and social views. I was able to have several discussions with them about how the politics in Chile were similar to those in the United States. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I recommend that other volunteers pack warmer clothes. Its usually 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature doesn’t change much throughout the week. During the week ends I would recommend going to places like isla damas. Volunteers should really take advantage of the days they have off. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt like I was in danger so I don’t have anything to complain about when it comes to my security. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
No complaints evrything workes great |
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 |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Stay with the local host family and do tour on the weekends |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Research about the weather |
