Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Tulane University) for

National University of Tucumán: Tucumán - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Patience. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad Nacional de Tucuman
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Alot of politics involving the university interrupted classes on a regular basis. I liked what I learned, individual professors are great, the organizational system needs some work. Focus was on teach yourself, extensive amounts of reading materials assigned. Professors are flexible with issues of being an international student

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Middlebury side of things was great. The university followed a relaxed Tucuman pace, slow.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived with a family. Amazing experience, helped me learn the language even more. They became my family. Gave me even less of an opportunity to speak English. I recommend family living to anyone who has the chance, then you get to see how real life works.

* Food:

Argentina likes it's meat. In the US there is more variety. I have never had a healthier diet than I Tucuman, but I missed the processed foods of the US upon occasion.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved my family, and there is a large university age population in Tucuman. Plenty to do at night.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safety was fine, just don't be an idiot about it. I had surgery in Tucuman while abroad. It was one of the best medical experiences I have ever had, in the states or out. The doctors were great, and I healed in no time. I have no regrets.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Rent was 400 per month, meals included. I spent an additional 200 a month in fun food and buses and occasional shopping. There was also travelling expenses. Going to and from Iguazu cost approx $225.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use Traveller's checks if you want, cashing them takes time, but they are reliable

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
Language acquisition improvement?

No one spoke English, only Spanish was used. Only with family in the US did I use English

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

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  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Tucuman is not a cosmopolitan city. Only come here if you are ready to leave everything American behind. You will be living and breathing the culture of the north if you live here.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Historia de Filosophia Medieval
Course Department: History
Instructor: ?
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Don't take a philosophy course in another language, it's hard enough in English. I was lost the entire time, the professor had to hand feed me the information. She was extremely flexible with my grade, allowed me to do take at home tests, and correct my mistakes.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Trabajo Social de Latinoamerica y Argentina
Course Department: Trabajo Social
Instructor: ?
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Great course, extensive information given. 700 pages are text excepted to be known per exam. Lectures large, overcrowded, get there early if you want a seat.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues as of yet