The Argentina Experience should be required. Past Review
By Vincent Mills (Siena College) - abroad from 02/28/2018 to 06/17/2018 with
CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Improved all kinds of skills: Spanish language, adaptation, communication, leadership, independence, diet expansion.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Once in a lifetime experience! CAPA was able to make my adventure enjoyable and comfortable. Giving us the tools to become successful and get out of our comfort zone is one of my favorite characteristics about the CAPA Program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
New to the position but was able to learn on the go. Learning experience for all, but always looked out for students and most importantly had discipline. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Absolutely loved staying in a home-stay. I lived with a older Argentinian woman and her son, and when it was time to go back home to the USA, I felt that they were my other family. I plan on visiting them in the future! |
| * Food: |
Food was good, but with all things, the more you experience the more you will get out of those experiences. Safety first of course, but don't be afraid to try new things that you never thought you would try. My favorite food to eat in Buenos Aires, were the empanadas. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was challenging at first, but that made it all worth it in the end. Talking with locals, attending city-wide events, dancing the tango. All these things were foreign to me at first, but as time went on I began to do these things naturally. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Not as developed but still does an efficient job. Multiple clinics that you can go to for free, but usually a long wait. Making sure you maintain a healthy lifestyle is key, and I would also advise to go with a friend if you are ill. |
| * Safety: |
Just like any big city, there is crime and violence. Always traveling with friends, and staying out of dangerous neighborhoods are little things that can keep you safe. Make sure you are always aware of your surroundings. When on Public transportation, hold your bag close and/or in front of you. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I felt like this could be a possible destination for me in the future. The passion and electricity of the country is contagious. |
Finances
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* 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) |
As long as you manage your money, you will be okay. Nothing is that expensive in Argentina, and ATM's were available everywhere. Sometimes going to social events for free food and drinks isn't too bad of an idea. |
| 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? | Public Transportation, cheap lunches, spend money on experiences rather than material things. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Spanish 24/7. |
| 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? | High School Spanish |
| 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? | Living with a Home-Stay! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Took for Spanish classes. |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
