Learning Spanish Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/27/2017 to 06/16/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Language skills, definitely worthwhile, achieved my main goal

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.

Classes were not nearly as challenging as in the US but that was fine because we had so much other things to do

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very efficient and helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did not feel integrated with my host family and I sometimes thought it would have been better to live alone

* Food:

I did not like Argentinian food, I found it very bland.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not have many opportunities to meet Argentinians or make local friends

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no healthcare problems so I do no know how well it would have been handled.

* 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? Do not spend money frivolously, especially if you want to travel/ visit places. Its easy to save money on food and entertainment, not so much on flights.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High school Spanish
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? Take classes in that language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Very relaxed
* What could be improved?
  • Meeting Argentinians was hard
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The food is extremely bland

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.