Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, University of Oklahoma) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 12/08/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have not accomplished my goal, but it was worth it. It was amazing.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I know some of this is my fault personally, but it was a lot harder to surround myself in the Spanish language. Having an American roommate that was still learning necessary grammar, while fun, meant English was reverted to at home more often than not. I really wish I hadn't had a roommate, it is why I wanted a homestay. I wanted to get away from American influence, which didn't happen.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I kind of wish I had received an schedule for the entire semester so that I could plan trips and things in advance. Only having it for the current month was rather frustrating.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of my homestay was extremely convenient and I had a nice family. However, the parents are almost always busy working and never really made us feel at home..

* Food:

So many wonderful medialunas y alfajors...

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I don't really feel that I integrated all that much..

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health system is horrible. If you want anything paid for, you have to fill out paperwork and fax the main office. Then you may or may not get a refund. Finding a fax down here is not the most convenient thing in the world..

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, but then again, I am also always really careful and paranoid.

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)

Food here is not cheap... And shopping is usually far more expensive than in the States.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? A little less than $100 some weeks, but more so in the beginning.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying produce and making lunch at home really cuts costs. Especially when you make PB&Js... Ha.

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? Intermediate
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? Spanish 2223 (Fourth semester)
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? Do NOT let yourself revert to English, and distance yourself from the other American students. You may not develop as close of friends while you are here, but if your main goal is to become fluent, you will have to make sacrifices. You can make American friends back in the States. Work on meeting and becoming close with locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The culture
  • The dialect
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how American the program can be; how hard it would be to immerse myself in Spanish.

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.