Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible! Past Review

By (Economics And Spanish, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo) - abroad from 08/23/2012 to 12/15/2012 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
That there are many cultures in the world and it is necessary to experience them all. Definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Only at CEA
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Other than my spanish and entrepreneurship classes, I was not challenged at all. I could not complain though because I had more time to travel and enjoy the city.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All administrators were available at all times and willing to help with whatever concerns.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay was incredible! Maria Palazon is one of the most caring people that I have met here. She welcomed me into her home and it has been a great experience here with her and her family.

* Food:

The food gets old after a couple months. It is very bland and a lot of the same thing. (I am saying this about the food at restaurants, not my homestay)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel the Argentine culture is a very cold culture, and it is very hard to be a part of unless you are fluent in the language.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experiences with healthcare here.

* Safety:

You have to be careful everywhere you go. Getting robbed is a big issues. When in a group, I felt safe.

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)

2 - If I did not go out on the weekends, I could live very cheaply here.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not go out to eat that much, learn to cook your own food.

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

Most of the time.

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 Literature
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? FInd locals to hang out with and practice your Spanish.

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

  • 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?
  • Friends
  • Country
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Most classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should have reviewed Spanish more.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Span 301
Course Department: Spanish
Instructor: Jose Maria
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This was my favorite class that I took. Jose Maria was an incredible teacher and always kept us engaged in class activities. Outside of class, he was always available to answer any questions that we had. There needs to be more teachers like Jose Maria.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had no issues transferring units.