I miss Chile and think about it every day. I loved this program so much and everyone that helped make this experience full of learning, appreciation, and developing new ways of understanding. USAC definitely made sure that our time was always fun and

full and beautiful in Santiago, whether it be receiving the opportunity to make Chilean friends, practice our Spanish, or just hang out outside the office with our new friends from around the U.S. I chose Chile because I knew close to nothing about it, and I am so thankful I allowed myself to take a step outside of my comfort zone and familiarize myself with a country I, at first, had no knowledge about but soon began to love as much as (or even more, quite honestly) my home country. You are also NEVER bored in Santiago; there is always a myriad of things to do, including walking around the city (this can take a lot of time, so don't be discouraged), trying new food (cheap street food is always at one's disposal), and experiencing unique architecture and art in general (tons of museums and cool buildings). Studying abroad in Santiago (with USAC!) helped me discover what I want to do in the future and helped me learn where I want to live someday soon :) (hint: it's Chile!) HELPFUL HINT: if you want a more in-depth experience (concerning the culture and language), definitely choose a homestay. I would advise you to be really specific about your personality, needs and wants while applying for the host family option. Having a host family made me feel way more welcome and comfortable in an unfamiliar space.

Choosing to study abroad with USAC in Santiago de Chile has probably been one of the best decisions I've made in recent years. It started off as a bit of a whim, just choosing to apply for fun and then suddenly I found myself sitting in the airport waiting

for my plane from Atlanta to Santiago while meeting the people who would soon be my best friends. Not only does Chile offer an amazing opportunity to practice and learn Spanish intensively, University of Andres Bello also offers the opportunity to meet locals and other internationals who were never less than amazingly welcoming. The classes were fun and offered time and flexibility to get to know the professor well and experience the city without being dragged down by classwork. It is also the perfect country to experience big city life as well as amazing and diverse nature without spending too much to travel around. I feel like life as a young adult has been a lot of learning what I like and what I don't like as I experience new places and people and Chile has really taught me what I love. Of course my experience was not perfect, but the lessons I learned there have allowed me to appreciate and recognize what is important and what is trivial when is comes to thinking big picture. Struggles are so valuable especially when you are required to deal with them independently. Of course there was always help available if needed and the program directors are amazing and I will miss them and love them forever. Te extraño Chile!

When I applied to this program, I didn't yet have a specific reason to live in Santiago, Chile nor did I know much about the culture or the city etc. When I arrived I didn't feel out of place or uncomfortable because of the new foreign environment. In

time I became very comfortable exploring the city by myself or navigating to restaurants to meet with friends. I was nervous about being away from home for so long, but my fellow peers in the program and the program staff were amazing at helping me feel comfortable. Overall, I was very pleased with my time abroad and with all the new information I gained and connections made. I would definitely visit again to explore more of the country and gain more cultural knowledge..

Going to Chile was the best decision I've made as far as my education goes! First of all, there are so many options as far as where you can travel. You can go to the north to the Atacama desert (which is the driest, most arid place on earth and great

for stargazing), Patagonia (which is basically where they take all computer background photos because it is so stunning), you can see many active volcanoes (even hike them if you want!), ski, hike, go to the beach, take wine tours, the list goes on and on. The greatest part about studying abroad in Chile is that you really feel like you get to know the country as a whole. You still have the option to travel to places like Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, etc. but you really could spend a year in Chile and not feel like you've seen everything yet. Santiago is beautiful, there are lots of places to hike, coffee shops to visit, and parks to enjoy. The houses of Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral center, and museums dedicated to the memorial of those lost during the dictatorship are all absolutely worth the trip! I would definitely consider the Santiago, Chile program if you want to go to Latin America!