It was unpredictable Past Review
By Patrick R (Trinity University) - abroad from 07/26/2015 to 11/20/2015 with
IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture
This experience taught me to expect the unexpected. I defintely think that this study abroad experience was worth while.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not very academically rigorous, and some of the stuff was a waste of time, however I enjoyed my study abroad experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Some of it was a bit disorganized, but I never had any problems. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My living arrangements were great. |
| * Food: |
The food was good, although I got tired of it because we ate the same things every week. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Not that integrated because all of my classes were with other American students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program did a great job, my insurance was able to cover in home doctor visits. |
| * Safety: |
I have felt safe everywhere I went, although I know a lot of people who have been robbed, some at knife point. It's good not to carry anything valuable on you. Iphones are especially vulnerable. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Depended on the week, travel was expensive, but a lot of things did add up. I spent more money than I wanted to. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $172 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook your own food if possible, don't go out to eat every single meal. |
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 |
I was in a 6 hour spanish course and our teacher always encouraged us to use it, however it is tough if you are always around english speakers. |
| 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? | Spanish 2302 |
| 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? | Watch netflix in a different language, get a language partner. Try to be around people that speak that language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Bring as many american dollars to Argentina as possible |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
