Best Semester Ever! Past Review

By (University of Tulsa) - abroad from 02/23/2018 to 06/22/2018 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my spanish skills a lot and it really pushed me outside my comfort zone. It was worthwhile because I met so many people and traveled and learned so much.

Personal Information

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a roommate that was already fluent in Spanish, which helped some, but I felt like I never got to practice my Spanish because my host parents could so easily speak to her in Spanish.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

didn't really meet local students

* 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

My Spanish improved so much and I loved getting to experience the big city. My host parents were so caring and encouraging and I loved all the classes I took!

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? about $15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? buy groceries and make your own lunches throughout the week.

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

I wish they encouraged us to use it way more.

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? 3000 level spanish class
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? only speak that language with other study abroad students instead of just speaking english the whole time!

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
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • traveling
  • home stay
  • interesting class offerings
* What could be improved?
  • pre departure communication
  • how to access grades
  • department laptops at center
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? to be patient with my spanish and realize that learning a language takes a lot of time and energy

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.