An Amazing Experiance in Argentina Past Review
By Emily L (Spanish Language Teacher Education., Wartburg College) for
SSA Education Abroad: Córdoba - Semester, Year or Summer in Argentina
It was definately worth it. My confidence and self independence grew exponentially as well as my SPanish skills. My plans remain more or less the same and I am hoping to go back later and visit again!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
In Argentina the professors use numbers but the numbers have equivalents to U.S. grading systems. The class size was usually small but allowed for more personal instruction. The workload was managable and allowed for free time to explore the city and culture as well. Overall it was a great experiance especially during the World Cup! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Wartburg's program allows for as much or little contact with home as you want. If or when I needed help within a few days I had a response from Wartburg and was kept fairly up to date on what was going on through a student pen pal at Wartburg and a care package. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I felt very safe in my neighborhood and my host mother was absolutely wonderful. We would go out and do things together, cook, and a variety of other things. I felt like I could have really been her daughter. |
| * Food: |
Access to food was not a problem and there was always a variety of foods available to eat for snacks or meals. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went on a variety of trips all around Cordoba with and without the program. The program arranged to trips, one to Buenos Aires and another to San Rafael, Mendoza. On my own I visited Tanti, VIlla General Belgrano, Salta, and Jujuy. I also experianced the World Cup, a bicentenial celebration, a memorial celebration, and much much more! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
We had access to excellent health insurance and all medical issues were resolved and we didn't really have anything for safety related incidents except pickpockets. |
| 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would budget plenty for travel and personal spending as you will want to purchase things to remember your trip as well as gifts for family members. Another expense to remember is textbooks and going out with friends. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 300 level courses |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke Spanish. Some locals knew English but also knew we were there to study Spanish and so respected our wishes as well. The best way is to immerse yourself and speak as often and with as many people as possible. Take dance classes, volunteer, or get involved. You will definately use the host langauge in everyday interactions. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | A student who is outgoing, social, and looking to improve their Spanish skills would love this program. |
