Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I only regret that I could not have stayed longer. Past Review

By (Geography, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 06/01/2015 to 07/01/2015 with

Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Cordoba - Summer in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Through bettering my Spanish and adjusting to the local culture, I gained a lot of confidence in my ability to learn foreign languages and my ability to interact with non-English speaking people.

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.

The Spanish course at AbleSpanish is demanding, but, you will return with a much better understanding of the language.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The AbleSpanish faculty is very friendly and accommodating. They really enjoy their jobs and make the classroom environment really enjoyable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My former host is a very welcoming person. He took it upon himself to make sure I was comfortable and never too homesick.

* Food:

Like any other city, there are many great restaurants to eat at in Córdoba as well as places you should avoid.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most Argentinians I interacted with were very warm, welcoming people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience with health care while in Argentina. Disregard this rating.

* Safety:

At no point did I feel endangered while in Córdoba. Use common sense and ask around to find out about places you should avoid.

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 could easily live on $100 a week. Prices are low in Argentina compared to what they are in the United States.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Most things are cheap. Any budget is probably fine.

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

For the most part, only Spanish was used in my classroom. However, there are different classes of varying degrees of difficulty. The more difficult ones will utilize more Spanish and vice versa. Also, my host spoke only Spanish and I was his only guest. This of course made Spanish the only option for home.

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? Intermediate Spanish II (Honors)
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? If you're living arrangement involves you staying with other English speakers, try to use as much Spanish as you can. If you are living with only an Argentinian host, talk their ear off and practice as much as you can or learn to play charades really well.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Living Arrangement
  • Going to Class
  • The Food
* What could be improved?
  • Living Arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had none how amazing the weekend excursions turned out to be. Had I known, I would have gone on all of them.

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!