Jaguar Conservation! An amazing experience I'd do it again, instantaneously. Past Review
By A student (Forestry Wildlife Management, Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/11/2013 to 05/24/2013 with
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Jaguar Conservation, Argentina / Brazil
Going to Brazil and Argentina was one of the most eye opening experiences I've ever had. Not only do you learn about the culture, but you get to be immersed in it, and by the end of it you understand why other conservation methods haven't worked, because they didn't work with the people. Also this trip is fun, yes everyone eventually drives you crazy but you're like one big family, you live and learn together, and the insight into other peoples perspectives when we had our discussions is amazing.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Pro-tip for Argentina, always order steak! It is amazing and I regret not having it for every dinner. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
Depends on how many souvenirs you buy or how much you eat. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100-200 maybe |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's a once in a life time trip, if you see something you like buy it, you won't see it again in the states. Plus its a wonderful keepsake anyways. |
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 |
We learned words in Portuguese for Brazil, and the other students in Argentina would like you to know Spanish, and we were always grateful for Dr. Scogs translations, but it was not necessary to know the languages. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish in high school |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
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? | BUG SPRAY!! and it gets colder than you realize especially at night, bring an extra blanket if you have room. |
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! |
