Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had an amazing experience! Past Review

By (Ewing Marion Kauffman School) - abroad from 07/02/2019 to 07/29/2019 with

The Experiment: Argentina - Community Service and the Great Outdoors

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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?

* 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

  • 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?
  • The fun adventures
  • Shopping/ sight seeing
  • Meeting new people and learning new cultures
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* 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 Adventurer
The 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.