Amazing Adventures in Argentina! Past Review
By Caragh_6300 (Modern Languages and Cultures; Latin American Studies, Pace University) - abroad from 03/02/2012 to 06/23/2012 with
WorldStrides Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina
I learned to trust more in my own abilities, and I definitely improved my Spanish. And of COURSE it was worthwhile!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes that I took were designed for foreigners, and they were actually pretty lax, but I really liked that about them because it gave me more time to enjoy the tourist and cultural attractions of Buenos Aires. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were incredibly helpful people, and they always greeted everyone with a smile! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my host family! They really made the trip wonderful for me! I plan on keeping a close relationship even after the trip is over! |
| * Food: |
Gotta love that Argentine beef and wine! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The host family, my program, and the dance group that I joined really helped me to meet people and get involved with the local culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
You do have to be smart about your safety in Buenos Aires, but if you listen to and follow the advice of the program staff, you should be fine. |
| 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save a lot of money before-hand and budget! |
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? | Advanced |
| 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? | 300 level |
| 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 and become friends with the locals! That's the best way to practice! |
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? | 10+ |
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? | That I should have brought more money with me! |