Study Abroad Handbook Overview and Site Contents |
When thinking about safety around the world, it is important to have a balanced perspective. Safety is a global, national, regional, and local phenomenon. As Americans have come to realize, the U.S. is no more immune to acts of crime or violence than other parts of the world. The resources we provide will assist you in understanding any safety challenges you may face in Chile. This Handbook includes information, checklists, questions, and resources to help you review the type of study abroad program you will choose/have chosen, available support services, and ways for you to be prepared to study abroad in Chile. While no study abroad program can offer an absolute guarantee students will be safe, many steps can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming injured or a victim of crime abroad. We encourage all students, their parents, and study abroad program administrators to use this website and read through the following safety suggestions in order to better prepare themselves in the case of health or safety challenges in Chile. |
The content on this website is divided up into four sections:
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Choosing a Program Practical Information Health and Safety Coming Home |
Below you will find summaries of the main sections. We suggest that you read the full-text version by clicking the link that follows the general summary.
| Choosing a Program > Finding A Quality Program Finding a quality study abroad program is not an easy task. Since there are a wide variety of programs to choose from, you need to research program specifics like academics, transfer-credit, cost, duration etc. Learn how to ask the right questions and get some helpful advice on how to select a quality study abroad program. |
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> Selecting the Right Program for You
It is important you find a program that matches your academic needs and your personal objectives. There are several personal factors you need to take into account when choosing the program that's best for you. One of them is finances.
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Before deciding on a study abroad program in Chile, it's important to identify the type of relationship your U.S. college or university has with your study abroad program provider. By knowing who runs your program you can determine who will help you if you need assistance.
Read more about how your program works...
In most cases, a student's financial aid package should cover most, if not all, study abroad costs. But in some cases, it will not. Learn how to better cover the costs of study abroad in Chile, and print out a budget ledger to help you keep track of expenses.
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Do you have serious academic goals? Are you mature and flexible? Will you be able to succeed in Chile and abide by your program's regulations? These are just some of the questions you might have to answer on your program's application to study abroad. Make sure the personal statement portion of your application looks its best. Need writing tips?
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> Pre-Departure Planning
Are you having trouble buying your airplane ticket, deciding which guidebook is right for you, finding out what documents you will need, or what you need to buy before departing for Chile? Let us help you.
Read our helpful tips...
You can unknowingly get into serious trouble by not understanding how Chile's laws apply to you as a foreigner. Find out what you should know about Chile's legal system, and what you can do if you get into trouble with the law.
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While you are abroad, it is important that you stay in touch with your program's administration, and with your family and friends at all times. There are several ways to communicate internationally. Learn how to communicate from abroad; creating an internationally accessible email account is a good first step. Communicating through email is a vital resource.
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There are many types of housing options in Chile. Finding the right housing arrangement is extremely important. Where you choose to live in Chile will determine what you eat, where you sleep, and to what level you will immerse yourself in Chilean can culture. Learn what option is best for you.
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> Packing
Deciding what to pack is not easy. The weather in Chile can be unpredictable; you may need both your umbrella and your bathing suit. There are also limits on how much luggage you can bring on board a flight or onto a train. The best advice is to pack light! |
You should learn to expect the unexpected. Rule number one: living abroad in Chile will be different. Anticipating some of the differences ahead of time can help you better prepare for your life abroad in Chile. Learn about some of the changes you can expect.
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| Health and Safety > Medical Care and Insurance Medical insurance is a requirement for most study abroad programs. In this section you will find information on how to obtain medical assistance while in Chile. Read our tips on how to find the right type of insurance coverage and how to make sense of your policy. |
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> Basic Health and Safety
Find out about health and safety issues in Chile, including: infectious diseases, physicals and check ups, food safety, prescriptions, fitness and exercise, transportation and the use of alcohol and drugs abroad.
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Do you know how to avoid being a target of crime while abroad in Chile? In this section, we'll tell you. Being aware of your surroundings, knowing how to dress, and knowing what kind of body language is inappropriate can help keep you safer.
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If you are a U.S. citizen, a woman, non-heterosexual, disabled, or a member of an ethnic or religious minority, you may have special concerns about traveling to Chile. You may not be treated the same way in Chile as you are in the U.S. You might want to prepare yourself by becoming more familiar with Chilean cultural norms.
Read more about special issues...
Handling a crisis is more difficult in a foreign environment. In the event of a serious medical emergency, or a natural disaster, you will have to cope with communication and cultural barriers. While in Chile you may also encounter minor crises like pick-pockets, petty theft, and/or minor illness or injury. The key is being prepared! Read our tips on knowing how to cope during a crisis. Also be sure to check out our Emergency Card and other resources available in this section.
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You are not alone! Most students that go abroad will experience some form of culture shock, homesickness and stress. In this section, you will learn how to identify and cope with some common symptoms of culture shock.
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> Airport Safety, Duties and Customs
Now more than ever, airport security is tight. You will have to check for new updates and stricter requirements enforced by airports and airlines. In this section we'll tell you how to do so. Chances are you'll want to buy gifts for your family, but do you know what you can and cannot bring back from Chile?
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One of the biggest challenges for students who study abroad in Chile is re-adapting to reality in the U.S. Upon return, you may find many things are different from how you left them. In this section, we'll tell you how to recognize reverse culture shock and cope with the process of returning home.
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Once you've had the time of your life in Chile and made it safely back home, how do you keep the memories alive? There are many ways you can continue your international experiences at home.
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