Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Amazing Argentine Experience Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 08/18/2014 to 12/12/2014 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about this amazing culture, and improved my Spanish skills. I also gained many new friends that I have come to love dearly. And I know I will return here one day.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Amazing professors, and I learned a lot!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

AMAZINGGG!! I love them, they made this place feel like home.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It is just me and my host mom; so at times it feels more like I am renting a room than being part of a family. At first she was very intimidating - and she still is sometimes - but as time went on, we got used to each others personalities.

* Food:

I absolutely love the food here!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I am a very introverted person, so I don't go out and socialize with locals much. I feel like I have embraced the culture, but I still feel like a bit of an outsider because I spend so much time with my American friends rather than attempting to break into Argentine social circles.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need to use the health care here, but the one time I considered going for my eczema, the hospital was easy to find, the administration told me exactly what I would do and which places had English speaking doctors. I did have a problem with my eczema and should have gone to the doctor because I could not find a topical cream that helped it - but I go home in a week, and I don't have time for that now.

* Safety:

Overall I felt safe - especially when I was advised where not to go at night, and that I need to keep an eye on my stuff. I have no safety issues while being here, however living in such a big city can fell a little stressful and intimidating at times.

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)

I budgeted about $100 a week, and I often went over this amount due to food, or the weeks I did laundry. I honestly spent more than I planned to.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? between $100 and $125 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go grocery shopping, going out to eat easily adds up quickly. And find the hidden treasure laundry mats - most people pay between $20 and $30 a load - I pay $18 a load. And I also do not do laundry every week - re-wear clothes, I promise no one will notice unless they smell awful.

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

All the time!! However they were willing to use English when any one was struggling to understand or were really not in the mood for Spanish on a day.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? SPA 321
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? Create a pact with at least one friend to only speak Spanish when you are together - that helped me A LOT. You are both learning, and you can correct each other and teach each other new things without the teacher-student or native-foreigner dynamics.

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?
  • The class trips.
  • Amazing administrators and professors.
  • The classes I got to take.
* What could be improved?
  • Timing of the trips for some of the students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I pretty much jumped into this experience headfirst knowing I was going to learn things along the way, and that I was a clueless American. It was rough at times, but I support my decision for doing so - it made my experience have so much more of an impact.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!