Study, Speak, and DANCE! Past Review
By A student (ILCS, St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 01/29/2013 to 05/10/2013 with
St. Mary's College of Maryland: Buenos Aires - Semester in Argentina
I gained a higher self confidence, a new appreciation for the culture, and a new understanding of the history of Argentina, and how it continues to affect life today.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I thought the academic rigor of the program was intense, and I learned so much! If you are willing to put in the effort, you will learn so much about Argentina's history, culture, and language! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our program director was great! There were a couple times when we got some information after we really needed it, but it wasn't anything serious. Overall, the administration was attentive and caring. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was absolutely amazing! |
| * Food: |
The food was great and always prepared well. I think I might have even gained a little weight down there- but the good weight! haha |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I met a great group of people who made me feel very comfortable in the city. I went out a few times, which was a blast!! I tell people, you will be able to truly experience life in Buenos Aires if you make the effort to speak the language and take advantage of every presented opportunity! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did have to go to the hospital once for an allergic reaction, but the hospital took me in and didn't charge me anything! |
| * Safety: |
If you take care of your belongings and pay attention there should be no major issues! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
If you manage your money and keep track of what you are spending, it should be fine! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It varied week to week, but I would say about $50 a week (I don't spend much, though!) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out too much, because it is expensive! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 360- Advanced writing and language |
| 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? | Really practice!!! Put in effort, and it will be great! Music is a great tool, and really force yourself to speak the language as much as possible :) |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | There's nothing that is really standing out right now. I felt relatively prepared and just handled any situations as they came up, because that's life! |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
