Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Trying to become a Porteña Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Western Michigan University) - abroad from 01/24/2013 to 05/18/2013 with

CEA CAPA Education Abroad: Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My language abilities improved even though I didn't practice nearly as much as I planned/wanted to. I learned so much about a culture I knew almost nothing about, learned more about my own culture and history as well, gained perspectives I never could've gained otherwise, and met amazing people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

No idea, I didn't have to deal with this

* 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? $60-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Our program offered a cell rental and it was a complete waste of money. The phone was free to have but expensive to use, I spent over $500 in 4 months just using the phone for texts and calls in the host country. Getting a local SIM card would've saved a lot of money.

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? 5000
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? Actually immerse yourself! It's too easy to stay surrounded by your home culture with the internet and being around other Americans. Make local friends, find people learning English to exchange language practice, find out what music they listen to, shows and movies they watch, books they read and then do those things.

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?
  • Language exchange
  • Literature Class
  • The CEA administraters/workers
* What could be improved?
  • Culture class
  • more local speakers exposure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew I would need more shoes that can handle a lot of walking.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'