Isabel Kilday

How did studying abroad affect your academic and/or professional career?

Studying abroad has allowed me to improve my language and communication skills, gain new friends and family in another country, and understand my field of study in a different cultural context. It reinforced my desire to study medicine in the US while showing me the diversity of ways that medicine and health are interpreted, experienced, promoted, and treated outside of it. Despite how much I learned in the classroom, living in an entirely new place was definitely the biggest learning experience, and the soft skills of cultural competence, empathy, flexibility, and openness will serve me greatly in my academic, professional, and personal future.

How did you explore your hobbies, interests, and passions abroad?

While abroad, I took Zumba classes at the university gym, baked with my host family, and enrolled in a month-long aerial silks class. I was also able to spend lots of time at the beach, swimming, reading, and having picnics with friends!

Why would you recommend your respective abroad program or location?

I would recommend SIT Arica Chile because of the immersive nature of the program, including 3-4 host family stays, lots of class field trips, and program-organized travels across the country to learn about different indigenous communities.

What should students consider when applying and preparing for their time abroad?

If possible, talk to people who have done your program before so you can have realistic expectations and make sure that your program is the best one to fulfill your specific goals for studying abroad.

Did your identity impact your study abroad experience?

Besides some staring due to the fact that our program location is not super touristy and I stood out physically, my identity did not greatly affect my study abroad experience.

Share a story about a time you experienced cultural immersion.

I did an internship in a Chilean medical school, where I was completely immersed in the classes, simulations, and supervised patient care.