My Dream of Argentina Past Review
By Annalisa P (Economics., University of the Pacific) for
ISEP Exchange: Buenos Aires - Exchange Program at Universidad del Salvador
definitely. i became better at handling stress, and better at thinking on my feet. i also became better at dealing with different types of people that I wouldn't have usually been around. i also have a much better understanding of south america and its relationship with central and north america and europe, which i feel is one of the most valuable things i learned. i had a great experience, though i was a little disappointed that the place was so westernized, and that the campus had no extracurricular activities like UOP. i am definitely more interested in spanish now, and am way more confident in my skills. now i really enjoy it instead of having to struggle. I definitely want to go abroad again.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
had a hard time getting used to the fact that teachers only orate, and do not write notes on the board (or write them only minimally). and i struggled with the language, but learned all the more for it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
were very helpful with all my questions, and anybody who knows me knows I will ask a lot, but was hoping there would be more community available (i.e. events, programs) for the int. students. 'anfitriona' program was great. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
was in a safe neighborhood |
| * Food: |
yes when i was sick she would accomodate for me, very helpful |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
going on vacation around the country, I went to Uruguay, Cordoba, Iguazu Falls, Mendoza, and Salta. Those were independently planned and that made them extra special. Also futbol game in bombonera stadium was unforgettable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
bad air, lots of noise, health care was expensive but i was reimbursed. also, careful with the cars, pedestrains don't have the right of way |
| 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30-40$US |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | bring extra money. you WILL want to spend it |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | spanish 101, avanced composition |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
everybody, except for american roomates in my host family. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | take some real consideration into the classes you take, for there is a lot of variety that can completely change your experience. either way, the academics at this school are no joke, so come prepared, and make sure you're prepared to take classes completely in spanish. students who can handle and enjoy a fast paced life of a big city should come here, but also only students who are ok with a completely westernized place should come here. many students were expecting a more exotic, or to say, more latin-influenced place. |
