Stressful at times, but wonderful at other times Past Review

By (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 learned more Spanish, about the Argentine culture - especially with food and wine, and have gained a more worldly sense. I think I would have enjoyed my experience abroad a lot more if there was a greater balance between school and experiencing the culture. I also would have liked to have time to be able to be spend a couple weeks at least with out school.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? I spend money on much more food then I thought I would have to. Easily $50 a week of my own money for food.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second Year Spanish in High School
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? Try to speak the language as much as possible, and don't be afraid to make mistakes or ask how to say a certain word.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Trip to Mendoza
  • Learning things specific to the Argentine culture
  • Meeting new people
* What could be improved?
  • Organization of events - and making sure everyone knows, and if any changes happen
  • Having a greater balance between school/ in class time and having our own time to explore and experience the culture or even just relax
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't bring shorts because no one wears them and people will stare at you if you do. (during this weather, even though 65 degrees is warm for us) You will have to spend more money on food then you think. Clothes are a lot more expensive then everything else here