Making it Count in Mendoza Past Review
By A student (Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/22/2012 to 07/06/2012 with
Universidad Nacional de Cuyo: Mendoza - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned how to be independent and valuable insight of cultures.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Universidad Nacional de Cuyo Universidad de Congreso |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although my Spanish skills increased dramatically because I took courses and constantly interacted in the local language, I did not feel academically challenged. The professor did not expect much from the foreign students and so, I did not have many assignments and my exams were not graded as seriously. There were no textbooks but all students were required to buy photocopies of readings that were sometimes expensive and the professors were not available for office hours. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was supportive and knowledgeable, although I could have used more advice in choosing classes (as some of them were not "foreign friendly" |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing was clean and comfortable, but the heating was awful during the winter months. |
| * Food: |
Although I loved Argentine food, my host family did not provide a variety of meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt that I had to really try to hang out with other students from different countries. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I think students should always try to walk in groups, be aware of their surroundings and never carry valuables. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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 lived comfortably on a student's budget, although I planned meticulously for traveling and setting aside money for social activities. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | share drinks and food with friends |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Hisp 105a |
| 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? | Try to watch movies, write, and speak in the local language |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Who you study with matters, although you are the one to make the most of your experience. |
