Broadening horizons Past Review

By (Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General., SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 03/20/2012 to 12/01/2012 with

National University of Cordoba: Cordoba - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How to live outside the US, what thats like, how other cultures teach and think.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were informative, yet exchange students are given less work because the classes are full year. In some classes my work was unrelated to subject matter. In other classes my work was intensive and rigorous. Overall, it was an incredible learning experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Extremely friendly and helpful staff. The scheduled events to integrate us with students never took place, but this was not a problem. The administration here handles things differently, but that is to be expected in a country with different customs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The family is wonderful, warm, friendly, and helpful.

* Food:

The food the mother cooks is better than the food from restaurants here.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It took a bit of time to integrate with the students and make friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never used healthcare.

* Safety:

Don't carry a lot of money on you at all times, nor carry all of your cards. Don't walk alone at night, and be careful during siesta in certain sections of the city.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60-100 depending on the week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Utilize the food that the family offers and bring a water bottle - there are no drinking fountains here, and drinks add up.

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? 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? Fifth year course
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? Try to spend as much time with foreign friends as possible to speak spanish consistently.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Taking classes at UNC
  • the immersion it provided
  • Selection of classes to choose from
* What could be improved?
  • Pre departure info on visa procedure
  • more communication in general
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about the food and the culture