Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A BA Summer Past Review

By (Spanish and Iberian Studies., Texas A&M - College Station) - abroad from 05/24/2013 to 08/02/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can do anything I set my mind to. My experience taught me a whole new meaning of independence and freedom. It was definitely worthwhile. I need to learn more languages so I can live abroad in other parts of the world. Argentina was just the beginning.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My program directors were fantastic. I was so impressed that they were not only able to successful organize all of us crazy college students, but also able to establish meaningful relationships with all of us individually. They were always will to help and give advice about any aspect of our time abroad. I miss them and hope to go back to Buenos Aires to visit them soon!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My home stay was my favorite part about my time abroad. I love my family and I know I will see them again one day!

* Food:

The food that my host mom cooked was fantastic, but just general food in Argentina was average.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated, but it's because I had to actively seek opportunities to make me feel that way. It's really easy to not feel integrated with the local culture since you are with a bunch of students from the United States.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $100 a week, give or take $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring cash to exchange once you get there

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Our directors frequently encouraged us to speak Spanish, and of course our classes were in Spanish, but there was definitely a lot of English spoken since we are all students from the United States.

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? Spanish Grammar, SPAN 303
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 a lot with your host family, go to Mate Club every week, go to new places in the city, travel outside the city/country if you can, have an agreement with at least your roommate to only speak Spanish

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • trip to Iguazu Falls
  • home stay
  • Mate Club
* What could be improved?
  • amount of Spanish spoken
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Give yourself extra time outside your program before you return to the States to do your own thing. I traveled two times during my program, and I wish I could have been able to do it more!

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'