The best decision I ever made for myself Past Review
By catherine p (Public Relations, Advertising, Applied Communication, University of Houston) - abroad from 07/01/2018 to 07/28/2018 with
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
I learned how to be more independent, confident in myself, levelheaded, rational and closer to being bilingual.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes take a couple days to adjust to as they are only taught in Spanish. That being said it is THE best way to learn. My Spanish comprehension improved dramatically and I was more comfortable speaking in front of native speakers. The professors were also incredibly helpful and added a lot of cultural context to the class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program directors assisted with any problems I had as well as going above and beyond to help me create itineraries for my free days. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Staying with a host family was life-changing. I feel like I truly have another family living abroad. I had the opportunity to try all the local foods, practice my Spanish and get any help I need navigating a new country. |
| * Food: |
My new favorite cuisine by far. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like a true Spaniard by the time my program ended. I'm even considering moving to Spain after I graduate. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't need any medical care during my program but a couple of my friends got throat infections during our studying. They were able to get medical attention and medication the same day they started feeling unwell. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safer with my program in Spain than I feel back at home in Texas. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
It was so well planned that I got to experience so much of Spain in such a short amount of time. I also made such an amazing group of friends due to the way they hold events and excursions. |
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 was able to save quite a bit of money because all my meals and cultural activities were already included. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 50 euros a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | To keep a budget while you're studying abroad just so you are aware of how much money you're spending. |
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 |
We were encouraged to practice Spanish in class, on cultural excursions, with our host families and in our free time. |
| 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? | beginner one |
| 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? | To listen to music and movies in that language, speak to your host family constantly and to use it when just hanging out with other students in your program. |
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? | That I should account for other travel expenses like taxis and metro rides. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
