Past Review

By (Biology, General., Nebraska Wesleyan University) for

ISEP Exchange: Montevideo - Exchange Program at Universidad Católica del Uruguay

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. And it would be impossible to put it all into words......A much deeper appreciation for other cultures, not just Uruguay because I interacted with people from all over the world in the program. That was probably my favorite part: to have the opportunity to meet people from everywhere. And all of us having the common experience of being lost in Uruguay.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes I took were for exchange students only. The teachers were very understanding of the language barrier. They made the classes challenging and I was able to learn a lot, but they also allowed for us to take classes off to travel or experience the culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Any fears or questions we had could were handled very well by the exchange office. I personally had no problems, but those who did had them resolved quickly. The number of other exchange students in the program also was nice. There were students from all over the world to interact with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Malvin on Missouri St and Rivera. It was a bit further than the rest of the students, but I was 2 blocks from the beach! and the neighborhood was more houses and not apartments like downtown. I felt safer at night when I was out. <br /><br /> Half of the semester I had to live with one of the sons as a roommate. But the family in general is probably the best of all the students in the program. They treated me as a part of the household and invited me to all the family events if I wanted to go. And the general attitude around the house was very laid back and relaxed. Once again it was a bit far from the rest of the other exchange students in Pocitos, but the quality of the family and proximity to to the beach was a great trade off.

* Food:

The family routinely at late at night, like 10, which was a bit different to get used to and a pain if I wanted to go out at night and hang out with friends. I also believe that the people of Uruguay just eat smaller portions so I had to snack quite a bit. I would eat out quite a bit too and maybe grab a hot dog or pizza at a restaurant close to the university.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Montevideo may not have the club or nightlife that comes in Rio or Buenos Aires. But there is enough to keep busy.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I had no health issues. My host sister did though and it was take care of very well.

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? I spent about $30 on an expensive week eating out and buying snacks at the grocery store. Average was prb $15
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I bought more food than I was expecting just because of traveling and hanging out with other friends.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?

I could barely communicate when I first arrived. Everything improved drastically, especially from living with a Spanish only speaking family.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Dont be afraid to ask questions in the beginning, it will save so much time. And go out as much as you can and interact. Dont shut yourself in your host family house or you will learn nothing and have a terrible time.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Cultura

Course Department: Exchange Class
Instructor: ?
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Took field trips around the city, gave presentations on Uruguayan life. Good introduction to Uruguayan society. Two tests and the teacher went through everything in class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Idioma B1

Course Department: Exchange class
Instructor: Elvira Blanco Blanco
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Amazing class. Elvira is my favorite teacher from my experience abroad. She has funny stories and will give it to you straight on what you need to work on with your Spanish.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Pensamiento

Course Department: exchange class
Instructor: ?
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Average Latin American course. Went over the history of the country and had a book report due at the end. My semester did not have to do an oral final with the teacher.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Literatura

Course Department: Exchange class
Instructor: ?
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The reading materials were over almost everyone in the class' head. But toward the end I started to understand more of what the teacher was going for. Teacher is very knowledgeable on the subject, it just got a bit boring at times.
Credit Transfer Issues: no