An experience unlike most others, full of surprises,absolutely incredible! Past Review

By (Villanova University) - abroad from 02/27/2012 to 06/25/2012 with

Universidad del Museo Social Argentino (UMSA): Buenos Aires - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Great friends, new appreciation for the culture, love of traveling, spanish speaking ability

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad Museo de Social Argentina (UMSA)
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.

Felt the program courses where at my right level, but struggled in my "local university" class and didn't receive as much help as other students

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the greatest homestay!

* 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I gave myself 600 pesos a week, which is about 160 dollars when all is said and done

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? two courses above the intermediate level
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? Homestay Family, Volunteering

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • homestay
  • program classes
  • inclusion of cultural experiences, and field trips
* What could be improved?
  • orientation
  • program offerings
  • more all program activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That things don't run as smoothly or as organized elsewhere; the make-up of the city.