Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A very interesting experience Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature; International Studies, Trinity University) - abroad from 07/23/2015 to 12/11/2015 with

Universidad Nacional de Cuyo: Mendoza - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about other ways of life and other countries. Argentina is a very interesting country with a fascinating history and culture. It was 100% worth it!

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.

The classes were very easy and didn't take up a lot of my time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host parents were incredible and always there for anything I needed! The house I lived in was very nice and centrally located.

* Food:

I had a good diversity of food and my host parents prepared foods that I liked.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is all up to how much you put yourself out there. It is very easy to be completely immersed, but it's also very easy to just stay in a bubble with other students from your program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was one time when I needed to go to the emergency room but was not able to because the health care system was very unorganized . There were no major health issues in my city though.

* Safety:

There were two people in my program that were mugged but don't let that scare you! I always felt very safe walking around by myself. Just be aware of your surroundings and don't carry anything super valuable around. I usually didn't bring my smart phone or computer when I left my house.

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)

Most things are pretty cheap in Mendoza! Outside of travel expenses I only spent about $45 a week on average for food, shopping, entertainment etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $45
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget!! You'll probably end up spending more money the first few weeks so just be conscious of that.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I had already completed several upper division topic 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? Speak with your host family as much as possible! They are there to help you!

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?
  • Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • The onsite staff was disorganized
  • I wish we had more trips with the program
  • More intense spanish class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Mendoza is a very conservative city and people there aren't as open and friendly as other places in Argentina. Also that it does get pretty cold in the winter and very hot in the spring/summer so bring clothes for all seasons!

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.