Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Argentina 2014- UdeSA Past Review

By (Spanish, The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 07/30/2015 to 12/12/2015 with

Universidad de San Andres: Buenos Aires - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely improved my language skills, and truly learned how to be independent. I also matured a lot through this program, and made many wonderful friends from Argentina, the United States, and Europe. It was totally worthwhile, and I wish that I could have stayed one semester longer.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were equal to the intensity at TCNJ. If you're looking for an easy program, San Andres is not it. It is one of the best schools in Argentina. However, the Spanish class that we had to take was a little too easy. Teachers were not always clear about when items were due. Overall, had a great academic experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Carla is excellent. She was really supportive, and had a genuine interest in making sure that all the international students were comfortable. However, sometimes the administration was a little slow.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Excellent! I lived with a host family, and it was the best decision I ever made. I got along great with my host mother. She had a beautiful apartment and I really enjoyed living in the city.

* 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? No

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? about 100 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do buy a monthly train/bus fare.

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? 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? 300 level Spanish
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? Do try to live with a host family, and ask local students to speak to you in the language. Don't fall back into English.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Host family
  • Linguistics Class
  • Beautiful UdeSA campus
* What could be improved?
  • Administration-faster response time
  • Better host program. Some hosts never met with their international student, while others met weekly.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about Whatsapp. You can text message through WIfi.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!