The happiest semester of my college career. Past Review

By (Global Studies, Missouri State University) - abroad from 08/01/2014 to 12/07/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and how I could be independent. It was absolutely worth while.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Raul De La Mano, was there for whatever we needed 24/7. I knew I could always get a hold of him and he would help with anything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring as much cash with you as you can because the exchange rate changes all the time, but if you have cash you can always get the highest rate.

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? Beginner
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? SPN 102
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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 other Sol-mates
  • the director Raul de la Mano
  • the excursions
* What could be improved?
  • more in depth introduction to the city transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More Spanish. I learned so much, but it was hard after a while only being able to have the same basic, and surface level conversations with locals. If they didn't speak any English, we couldn't really move past acquaintances and have a more real friendship.