Semester in Santiago

Study abroad. Wow. There is so much to tell and not enough time. Studying in Chile was a great experience that not only built my confidence, but also solidified my path in life. I took classes for my Spanish major, both at the IES center and at the partner-university and I participated in the Health Studies program which allowed me to shadow doctors and nurses in a variety of hospitals in the Santiago Metropolitan area while learning about the health care system in Chile. IES Abroad made it easy enough for me to become immersed in the culture, through my host family, Club Chileno (a group of university students who worked with IES to help us and hang out with us), who were basically my first Chilean friends and the myriad of local staff members who constantly encouraged me to speak only Spanish. My semester abroad was a life-changing experience and I know I will treasure my friendships and the changes that came out of it.