Name of University: Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Viña del Mar, CHILE
Exchange semester: Fall 2012
General information about the school
The university has two campuses in Chile, one in Santiago and the one in Viña del
Mar. Most of the exchange students are sent to the one in Viña del Mar due to the
special support and guidance for exchange students.
Practical information
Information before you left
When did you receive the information package from the University?
I received the matriculation papers and information from the University to my e-mail
in Norway in June. Classes started July 30th, but we were asked to attend the
matriculation, which was set to July 19th.
Visa procedure and travel experiences
What problems, if any did you encounter?
For you to receive your visa, you have to get in contact with the Chilean Embassy and
apply for the student visa.
How did you order your ticket – any problems?
I purchased my ticket online. The flight takes about 24 hours and you have to take
two connecting flights. From Oslo you fly to another European big-city, then over the
Atlantic to either Brazil or Argentina. Then the last part is crossing the Andes. When
arriving at the Santiago de Chile airport you have to catch a bus to Viña del Mar,
which is located about 2 hours from Santiago.
Academic Calendar
Arrival date – introductory week
The university sets up a matriculation date where all students are strongly
recommended to attend for detailed information about your stay and for choosing
courses. During the first couple of days students are recommended to obtain the
Chilean ID, which is mandatory for all students. Further information is given the first
day.
First day of the
semester?
First day of class was Monday 30th of July.
Last day of
classes?
Depending on which course you choose, you will have your last day during mid
December. I had my last exam the 6th.
Examination
period?
The Chilean education system is different than the Norwegian one, and requires
weekly tests. Each task has a percentage that affects your final grade.
Any special
events?
The first couple of weeks are usually focused around parties for you to meet
students and see the city. During the semester the university hosts different events,
such as sport event, music events etc. Recommended to join.
Reception
How was the reception at the school?
All the exchange students were warmly welcomed both by professors and students the
first days when we had information meetings and first lectures.
Was the administration and faculty well prepared for your arrival?
They were well prepared for our arrival.
Did the school’s students participate in the reception of the exchange students?
The school’s students did not participate as they still had summer vacations.
However, there were several events the first week of class to integrate us with the
Chilean students.
Housing
Did you have housing at your disposal or did you have to find your own housing?
We had to find our own housing.
What support did you receive from the school in locating housing?
The school did not support in finding housing at all. However they did give
information about the different options of housing in the city by email.
Any special issues or good ideas for prospective students?
The exchange students are recommended to contact a specific Real Estate office in the
city, which usually places the student at the same building or area. Some students
meet online and find housing before arrival and others wait until they are in Viña and
thereby choose to stay at a hostel in the beginning.
Costs
Describe the most important expenses such as rent, books, food, etc.
The rent each month was around 230.000CLP including electricity and Internet.
Besides that you can expect to pay at least 150.000CLP in food expenses during the
month, but this cost is very individual. Apart from that, the university doesn’t expect
you to purchase expensive book. Chile is more expensive than one would expect, but
still cheaper living-costs then Norway. Overall approximately 1/3-1/2 the price of
Norwegian costs.
The International Office
Is there an international office?
There is an international office.
Who is responsible for incoming exchange students?
The international office answers all the exchange students academic question. Apart
from that, the university has students responsible for arranging social events, such as
parties, trips and hikes. These students usually set up Facebook groups for the
students to communicate.
How does the international office function?
You can contact them whenever you require, and they send you information through
e-mail during the semester.
Do you receive all relevant information?
Yes. All the necessary information is provided, mostly through email and in class.
Exchange promotion
What kind of activity did you take part in to promote exchange to Norway at your
exchange university?
I talked about Norway in front of classmates as well as giving information about BI to
the international office.
Social Activities
How is your relationship with other students?
Most students met during the first couple of weeks and friend-groups were made.
During the semester the exchange students partied together and became a good group.
There was no buddy system for each student.
How is the relationship among the exchange students?
The relationship was good. Apart from a big US group, most students came alone and
therefore forced themselves to socialize. Amongst the exchange students, we often
spoke Spanish, but the most common language between us was English.
Is there a student organization, and if so, are the exchange students’ parts of it?
There are many student organizations, and the exchange students are being
encouraged to join in the activities. All the information was sent through e-mail.
Are there any special activities and gatherings for exchange students?
In Viña there was a popular bar called Journal (next to Agua Santa) where all the
exchange students and some Chilean students met each Wednesday.
How do you like it at the school?
The school was newly built and has the most amazing view over Viña del Mar. The
environment and atmosphere was very pleasant and welcoming.
Culture and Language
Do you have any language problems with the faculty or other students?
Not all students speak Spanish, and some not English, so the university offers
something for everyone. Since the university has courses tailored for exchange
students both English and Spanish speaking, you will never have a problem
communicating using either of those languages.
How are the possibilities to experience the country and the culture?
There are many opportunities to experience the country. Be open to people and try to
make Chilean friends. A good way to do that is to join Chileans parties or take
Chilean courses.
Cultural and Social Effects from the Exchange Experience
How do you think the exchange experience will affect you from a cultural and social
point of view?
I have learned a lot about Chilean culture, and about the great differences between
Norway and Chile. I have also gotten many good friends that I am going to visit
within the first year after my exchange. Since this experience is a great opportunity
for you to expand your cultural perspective and since we are witnessing a world
becoming even more global, I believe that everyone should attend an exchange
semester.
How do you think the exchange experience influences your future career possibilities?
I have learned so much during my time in Chile and gained friends from all over the
world that could become future business partners one day. Also going away for half a
year makes you better capable of being objective about things when going back home.
In summary, I’ve had the best time of my life in Chile!
III ACADEMIC INFORMATION
The Teaching situation
In which language are the courses taught?
You can choose classes in both Spanish and English.
How would you evaluate the level of study in relationship to the level at BI?
The Spanish classes are quite tough, but the English classes are more flexible as
the teachers know that exchange students also want to travel and party.
Is the teaching primarily practical or theoretical?
Primarily theoretical, but some classes offer fun activities.
Are the professors using cases, group work or lectures (or a
mix)?
A mix is being used.
How is the workload compared to that at BI?
The English classes have a much lower workload than in BI. The other courses
that are in Spanish you participate with Chilean students and are much tougher.
How is the relationship between faculty and students?
The relationship between the faculty and students are good.
What is the relationship between the students in the classroom?
This is good too.
Required Literature
Is the literature in
English?
If the class is in English, so is the literature.
How do you estimate the level of the
literature?
In some classes we didn’t need to read much, in others we had to read one chapter
before each class.
Is the literature used for detailed knowledge or a broad overview?
It’s used for both.
Is exam based on the literature or on the lectures?
That depends on the class and on the lecturer. If the class has books, the exam is
based on that.
Exams
What
types
of
evaluation?
Essays, participation, group work, presentations, multiple-choice exams and
written exams. This depends on the course and the choice of the teachers; usually
they mix two or three of these evaluation techniques.
What knowledge level was required to pass the exams?
Pretty much the same as in BI.
Other
Do students have easy access to the library and it’s resources?
Yes, however the library is very limited.
How is the access to the computers?
Good. The printer as well. You even get credits included to print approximately
40 pages each month.
How is IT used in the teaching or as a distributor of information?
All information is frequently uploaded online through the intranet. During class
the professors use power point.
Description of Courses
Course name:
Prereq.
Exam
Approved as
International Business:
None Written, Presentation
Elective
Doing business in L.A.
Marketing Trends in L.A
None Written, Presentation
Elective
Strategic Leadership None None Paper, Presentation
Elective
L.A in the age of glob. None None Paper
Elective
Economía Internacional
None Written
Elective
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Any other experiences:
Chile has beautiful landscapes and activities all year around. One day you can go
skiing in the Andes and the next day you can go to the beach. But plan your time in
advance because time flies on exchange.