Argentina: Land of Learning Past Review

By (English And Communications, University of the Pacific) for

ISEP Exchange: Córdoba - Exchange Program at Universidad Católica de Córdoba

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I am more globally aware. My communication skills have improved and I am looking forward to visiting friends who I became close with during the trip. I learned so much about myself during this trip and I will never forget my experience.

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.

The grading system was completely a new experience for me, in order to take a final you had to be considered a regular student status. The teaching methods were also different most professors just sat there and talked which for me was difficult because I am a visual learner. Also the class sizes were bigger, not too much but it was still also something I had to adjust to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt like my host institution advisers were very accessible and willing to help with any issue I had. They truly went above and beyond of what I expected.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The first place where I stayed, I had my own room and bathroom and Olga Quero was a delight! I absolutely love her and how helpful she was. She is the most AMAZING Host mom I had. I had to move to a different location because he home was too far away from the center of Córdoba which is where I had all of my courses. Ivana was also a great host parent, although she was rarely home and she smoked. but the location of her home was perfect.

* Food:

Olga has the best meals ever. Ivana, not so much, because she was almost never home she froze meals and they were always the same thing. I could only eat frozen rice and pasta so often.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Choripaneada, where we got to meet other students was a great success and they provided vegetarian option!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

My host university had a medical clinic in which I was able to go to and set up appointments free of charge.

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? 120 U$D
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I think you should definitely leave souvenir shopping for the end of your trip.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I am a native speaker.
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced my Spanish everyday with everyone in Argentina, it was awesome.

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

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Everything
* What could be improved?
  • Year Long Classes--Should be tailored a little more so that they can be semester long as well and the student can receive a grade
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Student who wants to be challenged and learn. Take classes you will enjoy and get out there and meet people outside the host institution, get involved and just enjoy everything.