What inspired you to go abroad?
I wanted to learn more about the the Latin American culture and having a sister who used to live in Bolivia pushed me to look toward South America. I have always been fascinated by South America and the culture.
Why did you choose University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)?
I wanted to go to a country that was completely different from the United States and somewhere that I knew I could challenge myself, but still be able to know a little bit. I wanted to learn Spanish and learn about a new culture in Chile, which was the place I could get the most of my classes to transfer back to my home college.
What was your favorite part about Chile?
I loved that there were parks all over the city. I could walk anywhere I wanted to and there would be a park or an outdoor area for sitting, so you don't have to be inside all the time or on your phone. It made me feel relaxed and I got a lot of exercise from walking all over the city. I always felt safe in my time there—just be smart.
What made your experience abroad unique?
I didn't know any Spanish when I arrived in Chile and therefore I had to work a lot harder and ask more questions than the other students who had taken Spanish in college or for many years. This helped me to push myself—I was able to get around places on my own after one month of being in Chile. Being immersed made me work harder and feel the need to use the language, so I used it as much as I could and asked many questions.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
They supported me by always being available if anything was needed, they were great to talk to, and they made an effort to get to know us and hang out with us outside of the school. This helped to build a strong relationship and community.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I would have known more Spanish coming in to the trip so I could have more meaningful and longer conversations with my host family or the locals.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
I’d wake up and eat breakfast and then talk to my host mom. To get to school I’d get on a bus and ride to the metro, take the metro to the metro stop the school was at, and walk to class. I would be in class for four to six hours depending on the day. After class I’d hang out with other program members and then take metro and bus home to eat dinner and talk to my host family. After dinner I would do homework and then go to sleep, or go meet friends out if I didn’t have too much homework.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoyed walking to the parks all over the city and meeting all the program members and hanging out with them, building long lasting relationships.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I lived with a host mom and host dad. In their home I had my own small room with a bed, closet, and desk which was perfect for me. I liked that I had a desk to do homework and they also had a outdoor balcony type room so I could do my homework outside as well.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
You will have so much fun as long as you put yourself out there and try to meet people and just be yourself. Have fun and be smart walking around the city. I always felt safe, but you need to be aware of what’s around you and be smart.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I feel that I can communicate more with the Spanish speaking students at my school because they study abroad and some of them struggle with English. I feel that if I can talk in some Spanish to them it will help them to be more comfortable and know that I am there to learn just like they are and I have done what they are doing.
Would you recommend USAC to others? Why?
Yes, I highly recommend USAC. It's a blast and the people are amazing. Chile has every climate—from the south where its a forest and rainy, to the central area where it's hot and sunny, and then the north where there is a desert.
