Best semester of my life Past Review
By Emily A (Trinity University) - abroad from 02/25/2015 to 07/12/2015 with
Universidad Nacional de Cuyo: Mendoza - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Independence. The fact that I can be happy wherever I am. It's all about the people you're with. More adventures and memories than I can count. Spanish confidence.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
As to be expected, the academic experience in Mendoza is very different from what I'm used to back home - disorganized, lecture based, structure-less. The classes IFSA provided were much more functional. The IFSA team is great at providing academic support! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a house with a family of 6. They were some of the most genuine and loving people I've ever met, and the host family situation really made my experience. Plus it helped me improve my spanish! |
| * Food: |
Argentine food is generally lacking in flavor. The asados are great of course, but bring your peanut butter and your siracha if those are big staples in your life. My host family was great about providing lots of veggies for me, and even though it's totally out of the norm, they didn't mind me cooking eggs for breakfast. I fought all the white bread in my diet at first, but I now miss the constant tortitas. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Mendocinos are some of the most friendly people I've ever met. I felt very comfortable getting around Mendoza. I joined a workout class at UNCUYO and that helped me make some friends. My best friends were still other exchange students. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had any health issues while I was abroad. The argentine health system in summary is free, but very frustrating because of all the bureaucracy. |
| * Safety: |
I felt fairly safe in Mendoza. Of course pick pockets and theft are still a concern, but overall I felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
As long as you're using the dolar blue, Argentina is fairly affordable. Traveling is where I spent the bulk of my money. |
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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Special topic spanish courses |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to make mistakes! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | Clothing - It's hard to find good quality and affordable clothing and shoes in Mendoza, so pack wisely. Embrace the siesta Never ever use an ATM |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
