Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

If I didn't have another class (and had some more cash) I'd try to stick around! Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Stout) - abroad from 05/23/2013 to 06/21/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely gained some cultural insight- specifically about different values of food and socialization. I got some great visual inspiration that I hope to utilize in my coming art projects. This was probably one of the best ways I could have used my first month of summer, and it went by way too quickly.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A lot of it was review work in class, but we had numerous chances to increase our mastery of the Spanish language and gain exposure to different cultures.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Wonderful. There were some issues with students adjusting and the CEA staff did everything in their power to make people feel comfortable. I was in awe with the grace with which they handled the situation. Additionally, the personnel were fantastic and I feel that I could trust each and every one of them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed living with Ana Lia and I felt we got on really well. She fed us liberally, and we had a good time meeting her family and chatting over dinner. The only unfortunate factor was the cockroaches- however, it was only a minor nuisance and she did everything in her power to get rid of them. The whole complex was plagued, apparently.

* Food:

Awesome, when we went out. When we stayed at home, it was simple but we were definitely well-fed. Ana Lia's concern with our well-being was very touching.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel that while we were encouraged to interact locally, it was hard for some members of the group because they weren't prepared for immersion. I feel that I personally did my best, but it was confusing to switch back and forth between my peers and the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I got pickpocketed once on the Subte, but this was due to my own stupidity (Wear a jacket that covers your pockets, or don't leave ANYTHING in them). The CEA staff prepared us well, warning us about different methods to protect ourselves and the like.

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? 200+ pesos per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If your host parents offer you extra meals, definitely take advantage of it. Also, plan when you want to go to dinner and avoid buying a lot of drinks at clubs. They're pretty expensive.

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? I have completed my minor.
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? I would encourage more Spanish in the classroom, or in social settings/excursions. It was at a good level, but for myself it was confusing when we switched. I believe that I should enroll in a full immersion program next time I have the opportunity, but this was definitely beneficial.

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 excellent CEA staff/experiences
  • Excellent coursework- learned a lot, mostly outside of the classroom.
  • Watching my companions improve their speaking skills.
* What could be improved?
  • Not sure.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I feel like I was pretty well-prepared. -Wish I'd known about how late you needed to leave in order to enjoy the clubs/various nightlife, and I wish that we had been introduced to Avenida Corrientes earlier in the program, because then I would have had more time to explore, and maybe attend a play or two. Seems like a wonderful place and I'm sorry that I'll miss it.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'