Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the best opportunities to take a part in during your college experience. Past Review

By (Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services., University of Wisconsin - Stout) - abroad from 05/22/2013 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 gained a number of skills from becoming more independent, living life to the fullest, taking opportunities as they came my way, and most of all seeing a new culture in a different way.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was a intensive Spanish Course!!!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Absolutely wonderful!! I enjoyed every moment going to the CEA Global campus, talking with the local students, and working with the CEA staff. Pamela, Veronica, Nahuel, and Gabby were so easy to talk to and work with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We had the opportunity to stay with a local host family and eat dinner with them Monday through Friday. It was great speaking only in Spanish for the entire week!!

* Food:

Every day our host mom made us a fresh meal for dinner.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had class in a global campus where other students were learning English and we were learning Spanish. We also took many excursions around Buenos Aires and were fully integration into the culture everyday.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We had health insurance included, so if anyone needed to go to the hospital they had the chance to.

* Safety:

Buenos Aires is a very safe city to live and explore. It is best to stay in groups though when going out at night!

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)

I made sure to save up enough money so that I could afford to study abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find some local scholarships to take a part in.

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

Every day we had to use the Spanish we learned in class outside of the classroom.

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? Intensive Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take the classes that you need before going abroad.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Spanish
  • Excursions
  • Living with Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • Class Time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Studying abroad isn't as easy as it may seem there are a lot of challenges that come your way, but it is the experience that you gain at the end that means the most!!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.