Study Abroad. DALE! Past Review
By Ellen A (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/01/2013 to 06/21/2013 with
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
Being abroad is an incredibly enriching experience. It is worthwhile My advise is to carefully select a program. The program I used was great, but not for me. I would have preferred a program that allowed more freedom in where i stayed and what trips i took.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I thought most of my professors where great and very interactive. I learned a good bit, but most of what I learned what interacting with locals. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The director in Buenos Aires was a really sweet man and incredibly helpful, friendly, and warm. However, when it came to trying to logistical things (such as moving houses) it was very difficult to get anything done with him. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Well, I was firstly disappointed that it was not in fact a family, just an older woman. I had a horrible time at the place I stayed. The woman was cold and I couldn't figure out why she would want to have students in her house besides making money. I disliked the way she treated me and I really disliked the food. I would have loved to live with other students and make my own food, how i want and eat at the hours I would like. I feel it is incredibly important to interact with locals, which I did A LOT, but I don't think it has to mean living with a local. |
| * Food: |
Did not like the host family food. A lot of times it was made at the beginning of the week by a hired help and then frozen for later in the week. Not nourishing for me. But the rest of the food in Argentina is great! Salty, but yummy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I absolutely fell in love with the culture and people here. It was great to go to the Mate Meetup Club. Meeting locals and talking with them was the best thing I did. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
As far as I was concerned, it was fine. I had no health issues. |
| * Safety: |
I felt super safe here. Although it is a huge city, so is New York. Common sense and self awareness. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
This was difficult. I had to borrow money while I was here. Food and transit and books for classes mainly. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I don't remember but easily $250-$300. |
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 |
It was great to practice spanish with other english-speakers. Very helpful. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| 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? | TALK WITH LOCALS[PUNTO!] Make friends, read books, watch local movies, listen to local music. Don't speak english with class mates, or if you do speak spanglish! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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 is not a lot of freedom in where you live and when you take trips. I would have rather taken trips when I wanted (with my school schedule) and with close friends. I also would MUCH rather prefer to live with other students or younger argentines, I didn't have a good host-"family" experience (rarely is it a family, but one older woman...). I also wish I would have known more of the daily expenses- transit, food, etc. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
