I had an amazing experience! Past Review
By Alley Mathis (Ewing Marion Kauffman School) - abroad from 07/02/2019 to 07/29/2019 with
The Experiment: Argentina - Community Service and the Great Outdoors
While I was abroad I learned that you should not live in fear because that does not change anything, it just reduces the amount of fun that you have. Yes, it was worthwhile because I enjoyed every minute of the whole program.
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. |
when taking the Spanish classes they were taught very well. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our group leaders were very fun and knew how to direct us while having a good time. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hostels were new to most of the group and we had a lot of fun living together with all of the bunk beds. The host family part was very well set up and living conditions were amazing. |
* Food: |
Although there were some bathroom issues, the food was absolutely amazing! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
When first arriving I had some bathroom issues, and the program offered all the assistance they had. They did a great job with health and offered us these vitamin C packets to keep us from getting sick. |
* Safety: |
Safety was very good. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Yes, I loved the Argentina program with all of my heart. The people that I met along the way will forever have a place in my heart and I loved the new experiences that I got to take part in. |
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 recommend a split between money on a card and American bills, but taking money out of an ATM was the easiest option. But bring at least $300 if you like to shop and souvenirs. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It depended on if we were in a area to shop or not. But usually not more than $50. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you see something you like you should buy it, but do not go overboard so that you luggage is not too heavy. |
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 |
I spoke the language everyday and the group leaders had us play some games in Spanish. |
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 2 |
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? | Get dueling, but also write in that language and speak it to yourself as many times as you can. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I wish I knew how sad I was going to be when leaving Argentina and my group. I would have still gone but I would have had a chance to prepare. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |