The most amazing 5 months in Argentina Past Review
By A student (University of Denver) - abroad from 08/01/2016 to 12/08/2016 with
Universidad Nacional de Cuyo: Mendoza - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot of Spanish. I was fluent before going abroad, but I am now much more confident in myself and my knowledge. I also learned a lot about myself, and how to meet and connect with new people. I also learned a lot about Mendoza specifically and Argentina as a country.
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 academic portion of the program was not overly challenging, leaving time for other activities in the city and travel. The school resources in Mendoza were amazing, the program was able to provide anything I needed, including academic support. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The assistant program director of the program was very helpful and caring. He reached out daily and made sure everyone was happy and healthy. The program director who lives in Buenos Aires and did not visit much was less than helpful, but the staff in Mendoza more than made up for it. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My house mother was absolutely amazing. I lived in a cute apartment in downtown Mendoza, and couldn't be happier. I had my own room and a nice bathroom, as well as heating for the winter and fans in the summer. |
| * Food: |
I am gluten free, so I was a little nervous about the food in Mendoza. I was pleasantly surprised when I got there, it was very easy to find gluten free friendly restaurants, and my host mom cooked gluten free meals for me everyday. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was lucky enough to volunteer in Mendoza, and this opportunity really connected me with local culture. It was not hard to meet local students, however I did find it challenging to build real connections with people of my own age. Overall, I feel I was very well integrated. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have an experience with healthcare, nor did I need additional vaccines. I did find the ambulances were very slow and unhelpful. |
| * Safety: |
I always keep safety in mind, especially in a new city. I found there were very few problems with safety, and felt safe 90% of the time. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved Mendoza, I loved my host family, I love the Spanish language, I loved my experience! |
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) |
Snacks and travel were my main costs. Travel in South America was not cheap, however it is well worth it. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Have a budget, weekly and monthly. Plan for unexpected costs. |
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 |
I was encouraged to only speak Spanish when participating in program events or in the program office. My host mother only spoke Spanish, so I spoke limited english. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | 3000 level course |
| 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? | Meet with a friend and practice conversing!! Chatting with friends really helps gain confidence. Maybe try an hour a day, only in Spanish. This helps you begin to think in the language. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Being scared is okay, it means you're learning new things. |
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.' |
