Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Full Immersion in South America with Some New Friends and Incredible Travels! Past Review

By (Economics & Computer Science, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/24/2014 to 07/06/2014 with

Universidad Nacional de Cuyo: Mendoza - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much from being abroad. Everything from new experiences and trying new foods, to really improving my proficiency in Spanish. Being abroad was very worthwhile. I was able to experience the Argentine culture first hand and spend a lot of time trying new things, exploring who I am. I made Argentine friends that invited me to "asados" and I made program friends with whom I would do touristy things. I said yes to almost every opportunity and spent almost every day trying something new.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very accessible and helpful the entire time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

Mendoza was quite safe but there are certain areas to be avoided and times when one should not be out walking about or out walking alone. Do not be obvious about carrying valuables such as do not walk with headphones in your ear and be aware of when you take phones/wallets out of your pocket.

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)

There are not many necessary personal expenses and the exchange rate is greatly in our favor, so getting by on a small budget is very doable. If you go out a lot it is easy to purchase fancier things because they are way cheaper than in the US (avoid doing this regularly).

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It's expensive to go out most nights and travel when you want. Pick your priorities and stick with them. If you are going out at night, only take what you are willing to spend. If you want to travel, start planning your trip as early as possible.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Don Quijote
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? I always spoke spanish with my host family, in class, and around Argentine friends. It's easy to speak English with program friends and a nice retreat from constant use of the foreign language but insisting on speaking spanish 100% of the time if possible will greatly help improve proficiency.

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?
  • Freedom to Travel
  • Program Events (ex. a weekend getaway to the lake district)
  • The Resident Director (Jose)
* What could be improved?
  • The Program Events we did were great but I would have loved a few more.
  • We enrolled in classes at the university so late that when we did finally start school, I was anxious and stressed about it.
  • If we enroll in classes sooner, we could get visas earlier rather than waiting till near the end.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the money exchange situation before going. If I had brought $100 bills in cash, I could've gotten a much better exchange rate and pinched more pennies. This is a result of the horrible economy in Argentina, and the existence of an official exchange rate which does not account for inflation to the extent it should and an unofficial exchange rate (blue dollar) which is widely accepted at establishments and money exchange offices. Since I did not bring a large quantity of cash, the next best is using Xoom if you can find a coupon to knock off the fees.

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.