Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A brief but incredible month in Buenos Aires! Past Review

By (International Studies and Spanish, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 07/24/2013 to 08/23/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an appreciation of a completely different culture and way of life. I proved to myself that I can easily live in another country with a different language and way of living. I gained knowledge of the history and culture of the people, as well as the spanish language. I think this was an absolutely worthwhile experience that I will never forget!

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 class was very helpful, but I found it to be very long and drawn out and a little bit repetitive

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mother was amazing in every way, I was so lucky to have her.

* 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? between $150 and $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? learn the public transportation systems and use them when going out, because cabs add up very quickly and are very expensive.

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? 300 level classes at the University of Michigan
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 locals and talk with them, also ask people for directions and try to engage in conversation with people in cafes or on the street.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • the program coordinators and support they gave
  • host mother
  • meeting other international students and local students
* What could be improved?
  • type of month long coures..maybe some courses on history and culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A month is not enough time to explore everything this amazing city has to offer!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.