A semester of surprises, challenges, and unforgettable experiences! Past Review

By (Motion Pictures, University of Miami) - abroad from 07/18/2014 to 11/08/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live independently, to take on any challenge without being afraid of messing up or embarrassing myself, and to adapt to unfamiliar situations and customs. It was the most worthwhile experience of my life.

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.

* 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? 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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring as much American cash with you as you can, and always exchange at the blue market rate!

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 301
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 friends outside of school and the CEA group. Join extracurricular activities and groups, and don't be afraid to branch out from other American students!

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?
  • Getting to improve my Spanish
  • Connecting with the local culture and people
  • The FOOD
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to meet Argentines
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would be way more difficult than I ever expected, but that every second would be entirely worth 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.'