Learning what it truly means to be an Argentinian Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 06/30/2014 to 07/30/2014 with

The Experiment: Argentina - Community Service and the Great Outdoors

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learn the different aspects of their culture. Through riding horses and the many physical activities and culturally eating and living in a very Argentinian household I learned not only the great aspect of their culture, but a new perspective that I would not be able to understand from the outside looking in

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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

The best summer of my life

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? 70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy souvenirs towards the end, unless you really like an item

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? Advanced
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 2 (high school)
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Talk to your host family in their language. Utilizing it in conversation helped a lot.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Community service
  • Community and family love
  • White water rafting
* What could be improved?
  • It was perfect
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? None