An unforgettable adventure! Past Review

By (Biology, General., University of San Diego) - abroad from 02/04/2013 to 06/21/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A lot about navigating cities, SO much about Buenos aires, I gained a lot of confidence in my speaking skills and interacting in Spanish

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.

They were some of the easiest classes I've ever taken, and I feel grading was super generous. Which was great!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The family was not a very good host family. They barely cared about our lives, and we didn't even get breakfast some days.

* Food:

So many carbs, not any fruits/veggies! I don't know how these people live with such an unbalanced diet.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got pneumonia, and I was able to visit a doctor and get the antibiotics I needed without difficulty

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in Belgrano, where we lived, and I feel lucky to have made it 5 months without getting robbed, because I know a fair amount of people who did (even locals) so watch your bag and be aware!

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? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Exchange on the blue market, it's a much better exchange rate. Don't waste your time with ATMs.

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 303
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? Make local friends and hang out with them

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
  • 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?
  • Excursions
  • Location
  • Learning
* What could be improved?
  • Interaction with locals
  • My host family!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid of buses. Spend more time with locals, even if you have to abandon your American friends. Don't use the ATM, exchange your money.

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 Linguist
You 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!