Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester in Imperfection Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Baylor University) - abroad from 08/03/2015 to 11/27/2015 with

Universidad Nacional de Cuyo: Mendoza - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was incredible. I learned how to make mistakes, how to travel alone, how to communicate and be ok with taking time to learn. I talked to people from all over the world, and learned so much from everyone I talked to.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course load was not very difficult, although it could have been much more so depending on the classes taken. Spanish teachers were very helpful, and it was also engaging to take a Literature course at the university in Spanish, although the amount of actual content I learned was minimal.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There are always going to be administration hold-ups, but CELE did a great job of working with us, getting our classes set up, and being a go-between for our families.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My family and I got along well, but we didn't become best friends. It felt like much more of a temporary set-up for me than a home.

* Food:

Food in Mendoza is incredible. Learned to cook empanadas, and the asados were wonderful.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got to meet quite a few Argentine students and experience the culture through them, as well as being with my host family. I felt like I got a very good taste for local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No issues

* Safety:

I didn't have any issues, although I was repeatedly reminded to be careful. Just watch your surroundings, and stick with people and you'll be fine!

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat with your host family, buy groceries, don't buy clothes

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

Used Spanish at home, at school, with friends

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? SPA 3304
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? Talk to your host family, make local friends, don't watch too much English TV

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

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?
  • Spanish Component
  • International Students
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Having a better understanding of how classes worked
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? felt as prepared as I could be

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.