17 reviews
4.52 / 5 based on 17 reviews
Useful |
0
RamblinGirl
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
Read more >
Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Papadaki's was the hot spot when I was down in V-town. Gringo's got in free which was a nice bonus. 691 was also pretty fun and convienently right next door.
Read more >
Useful |
0
RamblinGirl
Housing
Type of housing: Pension
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: With a family
Why?
I liked the pension b/c I had more freedom than a homestay, but I would've liked more interaction with the Chileans I lived with.
Read more >
Personal comments
Good housing options. Don't go for the dorm option, nothing to write home about.
Read more >
Useful |
0
RamblinGirl
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Government assistance
Work opportunities:
I didn't want/need to work
Personal spending habits
Compared to the East Coast of the U.S., Chile is one cheap place. Everything from food to alcohol to transportation is cheaper. I loved it.
Read more >
Housing:
was the same price as at home.
Travel, Nightlife, Overall, Telephone, Food:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
There is always a decent and affordable place to stay when traveling. Don't go to the first place you fin.
Read more >
Useful |
0
RamblinGirl
Academic
Course recommendations
I loved the time I spent with the other abroad students, but found it tough to meet Chilean students. Guys don't want to be your "friend" and girls don't want you around as competition. The chileans that were friendly, were really awesome. I even went to a friends home in Varas for a weekend to meet the family. It just takes extra effort to meet Chileans.
Read more >
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
If you're up to a good level of Spanish, directly enroll in classes. It may be difficult,but well worth the opportunity to meet people and practice Spanish.
Read more >
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Useful |
2
RamblinGirl
Overall
I wish I had known...
1. Bank machines are everywhere, forget travelers checks. 2. Chilean Spanish isn't easy to understand. 3. It rains like hell in Valdivia, literally 80% of the time I was there it rained. Don't let it scare you off, but be prepared. I came to class with soaking wet jeans on several occasions.
Read more >
In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Nice university with great study abroad staff and beautiful botanical garden. Directly enroll if you can and enjoy la U, I really did.
Read more >
During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Meet as many Chileans as possible because they're your ticket to understanding their Spanish. Have an open mind and you'll have an amazing time. Changed my life. Oh and don't skip Bariloche, Argentina. Awesome city.
Read more >
Useful |
0
RamblinGirl
Languages
Language of instruction: Spanish
Was learning Spanish a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Spanish
How much did you improve your Spanish?
My level before: Basic phrases
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
No one ever talked about Chilean slang or pronunciation before my trip. Modismos (slang)are out of control. Prepare to hear "huevon" and "cachai" all the time. Also Chileans cut off the ends of many words, so that can be a struggle. You get used to it after a while, but it can be shocking and tough at first.
Read more >
en 
English
Español
Français