CEA, the way to go Past Review
By Qili_3708 (International/Global Studies., Anonymous University) - abroad from 08/23/2012 to 12/15/2012 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina
I learn a lot about myself and my interests. It was definitely worthwhile. I had the time of my life.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Not applicable |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Some of the teachers could be better. All the teachers are very knowledgeable but the style of teaching could have been better for couple of the teachers. Other than the style, the teachers are very good and classes are very engaging. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone is always so helpful! Though not so punctual at some instants, I believe it's just a cultural thing. But they get the job done and do it well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment-styled housing. I shared the apartment with two other girls. It's one bedroom, one living room, a kitchenette, and one bathroom. It's not very spacious for three, but it's very comfortable. Location is good as well. We are close to everything-- grocery stores, restaurants, fruit and vegetable stands, and pharmacies. etc. |
| * Food: |
The food here is amazing, beyond words. You will always have to keep an open-mind to try new things. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because I lived in an apartment and attended classes only with people from the United States, I felt like I didn't get the cultural immersion as I was hoping. Though we have Integration with the Local, I felt like maybe something more could have been done. Also I think maybe the fault was of my own, I could have gone out and make friends myself. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We have health insurance through the program. I didn't get to use it so not sure. |
| * Safety: |
Safety codes are very advised by the staff. It's just like any other places in the world, you have to be low key and not stand out. You have to know your limits and keep yourself out of risky situations. So, safety is all depends on the individual, as long as you don't do anything stupid, you will be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Though sometimes I just get the urge to buy everything, the budgeting plan usually survives at the end of the day. Living in the apartment makes it hard because we have to buy just about everything but pots and pans. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 400-500 Argentine pesos |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spend money on what you need. It's okay to splurge once in a while. Buy things you would actually use. One important thing, do give yourself a budget or else... you will probably end up with overdraw on your bank account. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The staff is very open to anything. You can speak English if you chose to but if you want to practice Spanish you could also do so. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 level |
| 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? | Get out and get involved, I regret not being as involved as I needed. I wish I used Spanish in conversational settings everyday but I didn't. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | None |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
