Argentina, Beauty or Disaster Past Review
By Christoph J (Music Education & Spanish, New Mexico State University) for
ISEP Exchange: Córdoba - Exchange Program at Universidad Blas Pascal
My future interests did not change. I learned that even if it seems like a difficult situation won't change, hang in there and keep going; its usually getting better.
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. |
There should be discretion in grading if exchange student is in classes with students from the university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Advising was bad. Staff could not answer typical questions foreigners have. It was very important to staff to create a family like environment. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was just like another part of the family, got integrated in the family's life and it's activities. |
| * Food: |
The family adjusted meals to my food allergy. Any type of restaurant in "Nueva Córdoba." The ones that look small, old, or even dirty, have usually the best and most traditional/typical food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I volunteered for the organization "Un Techo Para Mi País" This was the best cultural event! I saw a different side of the culture and I got to meet a lot of great young people with whom I spent lots of my free time after I volunteered. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Did not have any health issues. It is dangerous in some parts of the town, people can get robbed or even shot anytime. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The banks do not always change traveler checks. Have a good amount of cash and your credit card with you. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
With all the professors and my host family. Unfortunately, many tutors used the opportunity to practice their english. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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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? | Enjoy this unique opportunity and emerge yourself into the culture and society. Any type of student should broaden his/her horizon with such a great experience, yet challenge. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
IGL |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Candelaria Stancato |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | There was too much talking by the instructor. Since I am in the country in order to get used to speaking the language, there should be more opportunities for conversation within the class setting. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | Do not know yet |
