Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Argentina: My first time out of the United States! Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Universidad de Belgrano / University of Belgrano) - abroad from 03/01/2014 to 05/02/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had gained confidence in my Spanish & I have learned to have an open mind and never take things for granted.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I have learned more Spanish then I would've learned had I stayed in the states & my confidence to speak it in & out of the classroom grew.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The country was beautiful! I enjoyed traveling & seeing the different scenery.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was amazing and muy graciosa. I was very pleased with my roommate as well.

* Food:

I loved loved loved the pizzas, empanadas & the street food at the ferias, however I did miss my spicy American foods.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After I made my own local & international friends I felt more integrated and comfortable to separate from my program mates.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, when I did needed a prescription filled I was able to receive it without any issues. I didn't get vaccinated before I came & I was fine.

* Safety:

I was worried about my safely but I did not come across any danger even though I got a chance to witness a protest. I did know a few people that were robbed or had their items stolen but it did not happen to me.

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)

I was able to live on a student budget very well. I came home with extra cash to spend.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent maybe $50-$100 at the most per week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy your own food to cook for lunch/snack when it is not being provided by your host family.

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

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 211 which is conversational Spanish
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? Find a local friend talk to them, talk to your host family, go to mundo lingo/mate club, and talk to your English speaking friends you meet there in 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?
  • The excursions
  • The closeness with my program mates & the director
  • The host families
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I only wished I had more money to travel all over that beautiful country!

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 Linguist
You 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!