Rewind Time Please! Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 07/30/2018 to 11/22/2018 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned self-awareness and characteristics about myself I would not have known without traveling abroad. I learned that I am capable to complete tasks and goals to completion, as well as gaining heightened interpersonal and communication skills.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

I would like to start my education abroad experience on the right foot, mentally and emotionally, to then be able to enjoy and all that the host city has to offer.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget using envelopes for the week. Set aside money for specific things, whether it be travelling, food, leisure, and keep consistent with your spending habits.

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? Beginner
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 II
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? Speak, speak, speak, speak, as frequently as possible. Travel alone so you have no choice but to speak the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Language
  • Location of Host City to Travel to Other Locations
  • Faculty and Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Involvement of Argentine culture
  • Warnings/Precautions of being a person of colour, and how foreigners can be treated.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have done prior reading to the host country/city before embarking blindly towards the abroad experience.

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.'