Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable and unreedemable eye-opener! Past Review

By (Political Science/Law and Society, University of California - Riverside) - abroad from 09/09/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

University of California EAP (UCEAP): Cordoba - Language and Culture, University of Cordoba

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and who I am especially when traveling. I learned my likes and dislikes. I learned what and who I can tolerate and how much of it. Not only did I gain academic knowledge but I gained priceless knowledge about life that I couldn't have gotten by doing anything else.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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:

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save all you can before the trip because there is so much to spend on abroad! The more money you have going the more fun trips and things you can do there! Plan your trips ahead financially and always have money on the side for accidents or sticky situations like missing flights. Know the currency, things can be more expensive abroad. Try to get a job as an English tutor while abroad. Don't spend everything at once, remember the little things add up. Walk instead of paying for transportation, its a great way to explore because you see more of the city and it keeps you in shape. Try to get your money exchanged at your bank before you leave to avoid additional costs elsewhere especially airports!

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? 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? Spanish 3
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 families if you have them because they will teach you things you will most likely not learn at school. Make friends that are native not only will they correct your mistakes but they will teach you slang instead of the same old proper stuff from school. Best way to make friends is checking if the host school has an inter-exchange program where natives want to practice their English with you in exchange for you to practice their language with them.

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Practicing the language everyday all day
  • Field trips and traveling
  • Amazing friendships and people that I learned a lot from teachers and other natives alike
* What could be improved?
  • More trips and cultural activities
  • More oral practice in the classroom
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew just how expensive it is and how much money I really needed to be able to fund trips and shop. I wish I was prepared for the weather change, we were warned about the heat in the summer but not the cold in the winter. Not everyday is a good day! you will fall into a routine during the week and there will be boring days!