What city did you study abroad in and for how long?
Michelle: I lived in Viña Del Mar, Chile through the program Academic Programs International, otherwise known as API. I lived with a host family of 5 people and had family dinners very regularly and a lot of great moments with them! I went to family events (such as baby showers and outings), but I had my own social life there, which provided me with a great balance! I attended university classes every day in the next city over called Valparaíso. I had classes with other American students but got to meet and interact with the local Chileans there as well.
Why did you decide to study with API?
Michelle: I had researched many different abroad programs on the Internet. I was not particularly happy with the organization of her first abroad program—which led me to find another! When I found API I looked further into their programs because they looked promising. As soon as I contacted their staff, I had prompt, respectful, and exciting answers right away! When I read the reviews they all seemed great, and she decided to go for it. To this day I am so entirely happy that I chose API, and wouldn’t have had it any other way!
What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Michelle: This study abroad program was particularly special because the group was very small. They never had more than 12 students within API at the same university when she was there. This made it easy to become a small and close-knit family, which is exactly what happened. What was very special about API were the relationships between the students (with each other), and with their director. They always felt comfortable and at home with each other! The director also planned many excursions as a whole group (including plane trips to the dessert, and skiing in the Andes, etc). These not only let them get to know each other better, but also opened their eyes to even more culture, places, and exciting events that were available!
Another bonus was that the students were allowed to organize any outings and trips that they liked. My group went as far as organizing a bus ride through the mountains to Argentina, where we spent the nights in a hostel and got to paraglide off of the Andes Mountains! There was a lot of freedom and independence given from API. I made friendships that will last me a lifetime from this program (and I am even going to Texas to spend my spring break with four of the friends she met in Chile!)
How has this experience impacted your future?
Michelle: This experience has greatly impacted me. It has widened my cultural knowledge, given me important friendships, increased me language skills and ability, and made me want to study abroad for even a third time! I am even thinking about working for a study abroad company once I graduate, and have dedicated my major to Spanish, because I have grown to love the language even more. I would very highly recommend API!!!