Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Enjoying life through different lenses Past Review

By (Western Washington University) - abroad from 06/21/2013 to 11/09/2013 with

API (Academic Programs International): Buenos Aires - Universidad de Belgrano

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A much better understanding of the Spanish language and Argentine culture. Yes! of course

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yes the program manager went with me to the hospital and it was very similar to home with a bit more of a wait.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make your own lunch.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 103
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Don´t be afraid to try to use it. Avoid your native languiage as much as possible! Even with your study abroad friends, try to speak the countries language. Make friends from the local city. Connect with groups in your city that specialize in language exchange. Buy a slang book

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My fellow students in my program
  • The people who ran my program
  • The trips and get togethers
* What could be improved?
  • Vegetarian options
  • Host Families
  • An option to live with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would have prefered having a roomate to not having one and that I would have liked living with local students more than a family.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.