Reviews of Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (UTFSM) | Chile

Useful | 2

Gabriel P

University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Engineering, Computer, Undergraduate, Independent

Overall

I wish I had known...

Although my spanish was fluent, chileans do tend to speak very fast...so be aware of their slang and body language.

In my opinion:

Everybody loved it, you will too!

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

4

Culture

4

Costs

4

Activities

3

Campus life

3

Party / people

4

Weather / location

2

Personal recommendation

I highly recommend this university for any engineering or business course.The campus is one of the most beutiful buildings in the region, with an ocean view only comparable to the presidencial palace in Recreo. It is very diffucult for local students to get admitted and even more difficult to survive inside. However, you do feel a sense of knowledge and professional development afetr finishing a course in UTFSM.

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

4

Traveled

4

Improved language skills

4

Met people from other countries

2

Became more independent

3

Partied a lot

4

Experienced a change in life

4

Advanced my studies & career

4

Final comments

Chile is an exciting country to visit, and Valparaiso a boheme city with a great atmosphere. You will find in this country the driest desert, green valleys, snowy mountains (the Andes), lakes that are so big they have waves, volcanoes, and icebergs. Plenty to see, great people, all within a reasonable price. Time management will be important though since Uni provides many facilities but also demands a high quality of feedback (essays, exams, presentations). Overall: great experience, both personal and professional!!

Useful | 0

Gabriel P

University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Engineering, Computer, Undergraduate, Independent

Expenses

Main source of funding:

Family

Other sources of funding:

Personal savings

Work opportunities:

I worked during my study abroad experience

Personal spending habits

Life spending in Chile is much cheaper than Sydney (Or perhaps Sydney is an expensive city to live in).

Nightlife:

was the same price as at home.

Overall, Food, Travel, Housing, Telephone:

was less expensive than at home.

Accessibility of student needs

Second-hand text books

Second-hand household items

Computers / Internet

Administrative

Money from home

Personal comments

The use of photocopy is impressive, since it is relatively expensive to buy first hand textbooks. However, during the first 2 weeks of the semester, many senior students sell their textbooks much cheaper than the market price.

Useful | 1

Gabriel P

University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Engineering, Computer, Undergraduate, Independent

Housing

Type of housing: With a family

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why?

There are pretty good apartments, in terms of cost and facilities, around Vina del Mar (City next to Valparaiso), with parks, shopping malls, and beaches.

Personal assessment

Cost

Facilities

Location

Cleanliness

Space

Personal comments

In general, rent is much cheaper in Chile than Sydney. There are many apartments surrounding, not only the university campus, but around the coastline of the region.

Useful | 0

“Experiencia en la UTFSM”

Luis S

Italy, Graduate
Engineering, Electronic, 1990

Overall

Universidad de calidad, con profesores de alto nivel. Buen ambiente, enclavada en un fabuloso paisaje de cerros y mar. Con muchas actividades académicas y extra programáticas. Buen equipamiento laboral y deportivo. Por lo mismo, es muy exigente. Recomendable en general.

Pros

Respaldo académico y oportunidades de aprendizaje.

Cons

Muchas materias. No es económica.

Useful | 0

Gabriel P

University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Engineering, Computer, Undergraduate, Independent

Student life

Describe host city:

Students equally interact with the local and student community

Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment

Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment

Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal social experience

Activities

Nightlife

Travel

Overall

Personal comments

Calle Errazuriz in Valparaiso has many cafe-concert. My favourite was "La Piedra Feliz" which had a variety of live music (salsa, tango, rock) and great cocktails. Renaca (20 minutes from Uni) has one of the best nightlife in Chile.

Useful | 1

Gabriel P

University of Technology, Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Engineering, Computer, Undergraduate, Independent

Academic

Course recommendations

This university has a strong Engineering background, and has only recently included other alternative courses for students. However, the quality of the Engineering courses is outstanding.

My academic experiences

Quality of courses

Variety of courses

Access to resources

Interaction with teachers

Interaction with international students

Interaction with local students

Personal comments

Increase the amount of exchange students.

My opinion of the university assessment