Study Abroad in Chile with WorldStrides

This study abroad program was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I have wanted to do a program like this for many years, so it was amazing to actually do it. I loved meeting all of the new people as well as being immersed in a new culture and getting to see a new part of the world.

Going abroad was such an amazing experience that I definitely reccomend to everyone! This program in Chile was so immersive and very supportive throughout my time. Worldstrides planned great excursions for us that made it very fun with always something to look forward to!

Going abroad is a monumental time in someone’s life. The ability to live abroad with a host family allowed me to fully emerge within the community. I wouldn’t change my experience for the world. I would recommend a program in Latin America over anywhere in Europe. It is life changing.

Although I only participated in the 4-week intensive month program, I will always remember the lessons I learned, memories, and friends I made during my time in Viña del Mar and Valparaiso. I lived with a host family in Viña, and they were the best! They made me feel like part of the family and included me in all of their family gatherings. I learned so much about Chilean lifestyle and made great connections by living with the family. My Spanish proficiency improved greatly in the short time I was there through the intensive classes and everyday practice with family and friends. After my program, I was lucky enough to explore the Patagonia region of Chile and Argentina, and it is my favorite place I have ever visited. I would go back to Chile in a heartbeat, and definitely plan to return in my lifetime. The hospitality and kindness of the people that live there combined with the breathtaking natural beauty make Chile an easy choice for a study abroad location!

Wow, what an unforgettable experience my 5 months in Chile have been. I am so grateful I was able to get the opportunity to experience and learn about a different part of the world. I wish to encourage others to consider studying abroad. Chile treated me with nothing but kindness, amazing sights, and fun memories I will always have replaying in my head. ISA was a hands-on program that made me feel prepared and safe. The staff was there in a heartbeat if I had any questions or issues. I was able to go on a few excursions with my program and became friends with the other students within the program. I don't believe I would have as smooth a transition into living in another country without my ISA crew. Although I traveled to other beautiful countries while studying in Chile... I always became homesick for my city Viña Del Mar, Chile. It is truly one-of-a-kind city. You have the coast with the most beautiful sunsets in front of you and a city with every kind of restaurant, bar, and shopping centers you'll ever need behind you. It's impossible to be bored in Viña. At the same time, it is so easy to run on island time since it is still a "beach city". The loud sounds of the waves at night will have you asleep by 9PM.

Studying abroad with ISA was one of the best experiences of my life. I was originally set to study in Buenos Aires, AR, but due to low enrollment the host institution cancelled. However, ISA was beyond helpful: they notified me immediately and provided me with multiple other scenarios. (Receive a refund, postpone to another semester, study abroad in another Latin American country and informed me of the available options, or study abroad on another continent and informed me of who to contact.) While it was a lot to take in, my questions were answered immediately and I felt understood. This alone made ISA stand out as a communicative and professional company. While abroad, I had the time of my life. The orientation helped us get to know one another well and all of the activities and excursions helped us get to know the area. Living with a host family was lovely and I would not trade these memories for the world.

I came into study abroad eager and excited, looking to improve my fluency in Spanish. Without realizing though, I also came in treating study abroad as an item on a checklist, but it was so much more! From the warm & welcoming culture of the people, to the rich seafood, that I didn't know you could put in an empanada, to living a 10 minutes' walk from the beach, I fell in love with life there. My host family made me feel so at home and I loved walking and exploring the city every day. The public transportation was easy, though the Micro's were surely an adventurous ride!! Being immersed in this culture swept me off of my feet. Building relationships with the other students studying abroad, the local Chileans, and our residential director was a highlight for sure! While I knew that it was custom to kiss on the cheek when greeting, this still took me by surprise and I had to adjust. I would say that I started to get a bit homesick around week 6 and this probably lasted about a month or so, but our residential director did an amazing job with having these open types of conversations with us, always asking what kind of support we needed and having us reflect. But there was always something to do, whether a festival in Valpo or something hosted by UAI's student exchange team, so getting outside of the house and planning things to look forward to helps with that a TON! Honestly, my heart is still there, and I am seriously considering moving there. I visited the San Pedro de Atacama Dessert and it was stunningly breathtaking!...SO, if you're still debating, let this be your sign to say YES and DO IT!! ;) thank me later, I hope you have an amazing experience!!!

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While studying abroad with ISA in Chile, I had a great experience with my host family and made new friends through the program. I did not get as many opportunities to interact with Chileans as I'd thought and the schedule was rigorous but I had a unique chance to learn about Latin American healthcare and politics. It was different than I expected it to be but different is not good or bad-- it's just different. Overall I would recommend studying abroad to every student so that they gain knowledge about themselves and the world around them.

The ISA program in Valparaíso, Chile was fantastic. The ISA staff were quick to respond to any questions or concerns that I had and helpful throughout the entire program. Anytime you needed anything, they were there, but it was never so much that the program felt guided; it is still quite independent. Public transportation was quick, cheap, and reliable so you could get anywhere in Valparaíso or Viña Del Mar with ease. The host families are incredibly kind, adaptable with their exchange students, and an amazing support system to have while abroad. The option to have independent housing is also available if you would like, so the program is very customizable. The academics are also able to be unique to the individual student so earning credit at home should be no problem. Beyond that the cities are full of gorgeous colorful buildings, murals, and stunning ocean views. You are sure to find some great places to eat, shop, and spend time with friends. The locals are typically very helpful and kind. You aren’t too far from Santiago so you can have fun at the Capital or travel easily to different cities in the country. If you love nature, the lakes region, Atacama Desert, and Chilean Patagonia are incredible places to visit. This program was the best part of my college experience and I will always remember fondly. I highly, highly recommend this program to anyone interested.

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I have yet to come across a city I've found as interesting and amazing as Valparaíso. From the street performers to the beaches and mountains to the richness of the local culture, you will always have something to do and something new to try or see. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone, especially Spanish language or International Studies students, as I truly enjoyed my host family and the myriad opportunities the country had to offer. Valpo will always have my heart.

I had an incredible experience in Chile with Veritas Christian Study Abroad, through ISA. The eight of us students in Veritas meshed into a caring, safe community and we were also included with the ISA program of about 50 students. We were given opportunities to join ministries already established in the area. This working with Christians already in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar was very influential on my own relationship with God, as well as with how I view missions. Instead of coming in as if we are the one's with the authority and all of the knowledge, we were given the opportunity to build relationships with the people in the ministries and to learn from them as well. Through the Veritas program, we had a mission mentor who for me was a role model, teacher, and friend. I'm incredibly thankful for the time I was able to spend in Chile and for all of the relationships that were cultivated while I was there, with Chileans, other students from the U.S., and other international students as well.

My time in Chile was by far the best of my life. You think life at your university is great, and it is. But ever since I returned from this program I wish I was back in Valparaíso every day, it absolutely does not compare. I was placed with a host family that was so loving and happy to integrate me into all family outings and holidays. My Chilean mom even taught me how to Cueca (Chilean national dance) and then dressed me in traditional garb to dance with my cousins during independence festivities. Chile has so much to offer to the adventurous students. I went surfing and skiing in the Andes in the same 24 hours! And Valparaiso, it is so beautiful with hills of colorful houses and stunning views of the coastline. The driest desert in the world to the north, Patagonia and the lake region to the south, it is impossible to run out of things to do. I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with this program. They help you every step of the way and maximize your experience.

I loved my time in Chile. I loved that my classes assigned homework that forced me to get to know the community by speaking with natives and exploring the area. I feel much more proficient in Spanish after my time abroad. My host family was incredible. They were very intentional about making me comfortable and talking to me each day. Every day when I left for school, my host mom would tell me she loved me. They even had a dog - truly my host home felt like my home in America. I enjoyed the opportunities to travel and get to know the country. I think it is important to explore because you never know when you will be able to return.

I spent 10 weeks of a summer living in Chile with ISA and I could not have had a more incredible experience. I highly recommend ISA to anyone studying abroad anywhere in the world- they are professional, supportive, and ensured we were safe even when there were country-wide protests done by students to improve the university education system. I met so many wonderful new people and made lifelong friends and I have been wanting to go back and visit since the day I left!

I can only say good things about this country, these cities, and this program. I had the time of my life getting to know some of the most amazing people, learning and improving on my favorite language, and coming to appreciate the world around me even more. ISA did a fantastic job of getting us ready, getting us there and settled in, and helping us with any needs or concerns the entire time. I was placed with an amazing family, with whom I am still in touch, and my only regret is my own lack of pushing myself to get out and meet new people. The people, both of ISA and of Chile, are wonderful, and you cannot choose a better place to learn or improve your Spanish and see the world.

My experience abroad with ISA literally changed my life. I ended up changing my major career goals. I cannot express fully my gratitude and appreciation for all the people at ISA and CLU that encouraged me along the way. Study Abroad.... changing lives one flight at a time...