Things are not always what they seem, sometimes they can be better. Past Review
By Cassy O (HISTORY., Stephen F. Austin State University) for
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Jaguar Conservation, Argentina / Brazil
I learned a great deal of appreciation for the things I have, but also long for the simplicity they have. Lets just say my major went from History to Wildlife.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enjoyed the host University, because it was so hands on. I also believe the our University is hands on as well. I learned so much from this experience..... Wich is exactly what it was. An amazing learning experience. One the I will carry with me my whole life. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything went swimmingly. I was not disapointed in any way. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I had an amazing time when we visited the Guarani people. What an eye opener. We also took this amazing boat ride under Iguazu Falls. It was a BLAST. The food was amazing,as well as the friendly people. I loved how open the Argentinian people are with affection. The U.S. should adopt that custom. I almost forgot to mention the Tango show....... Amazing!! |
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | The amount of money spent depends on the individual. I believe we were well appointed on how much money we would NEED. I took more than I NEEDED because I knewe I would spend extra on going out at night, gifts, tours, ect. The food was fairly in expensive though. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Most of the things we did through the University were already paid for. Like I said, it just depends on what you as an individual choose to buy. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 2 semesters |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the language with pretty much everyone I spoke with. LOL And yes I used the language in everyday interactions. Most people understood a few english words. With the lttle spanish I knew I could make due. |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you wanna to beauty at it's best and poverty at it's worst, the most amazing contradiction in itself. This is the trip for you. A student with an open heart and open mind from any background would benifit from this program. |
