An incredible experience that I will never forget! Past Review
By A student (Sociology., Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 02/03/2012 to 06/22/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
I learned so much about myself through this experience. I am much more independent, patient, and confident now. My Spanish improved so much, and I really fell in love with the language. I gained so many amazing friends that I know will be lifelong. Living and experiencing a completely different culture really opened my eyes and helped me see that the world is much bigger and has a lot to offer. I absolutely loved it- definitely worthwhile!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes at UB were ridiculously easy. But it was good for me because there was more time to explore BsAs and enjoy myself instead of studying and being in the classroom. I hardly studied and passed with flying colors (all you need is 4/10 to pass at UB). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The directors are awesome! Loved them! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a wonderful host mom whom I still keep in contact with. There were other students living in the house as well (some from different programs), and we became best friends. |
| * Food: |
Amazing! Probably too amazing. Between with empanadas, carne, dulce de leche, and malbec, it was difficult to eat healthy, so I stopped trying after a while and enjoyed everything. Best tortas (cake) you will ever eat! |
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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: |
As long as you're vigilant, you should be fine. Wear cross-body purses and be very cautious on public transport. I never had any safety issues, but I was very careful. I do know a lot of people that got pick-pocketed. |
| 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) |
I spent $100/week on food, drinks, and miscellaneous items. I also took three side trips. You can make it by on less money, but with the crazy inflation going on right now, it's getting more difficult to be cheap. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100/week, not including the three trips I took. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make your lunch at home. Take the bus whenever possible as opposed to subte or taxi- may not seem like much money especially in comparison to the US, but it adds up. Drink wine at bars instead of cocktails. You can make it by on less money, but with the crazy inflation going on right now, it's getting more difficult to be cheap. |
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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 2 semesters of college spanish |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Interact with locals as much as possible. Listen to people talking on the streets and public transports. Try to speak Spanish as much as possible with the other students in your program and at home. Oh and carry around a little notebook with you to write down words you learn! |
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? | To have patience with yourself! It will take a while to get situated in the country and speaking the language.. but you have to make the effort! |
