Bonding and cultural exposure. Past Review
By Brian S (Global Studies, Providence College) - abroad from 02/24/0014 to 06/09/0014 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Transnationalism and Comparative Development in South America
People always say they learn more about themselves than anything else while being abroad. I think I can safely say the same happened to me. I learned that while I love traveling and seeing the world, the thing I love most is sharing that experience with other people and bonding with those you meet along the way. I met a lot of awesome people, in my program and out of it, and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. It was most certainly worthwhile. It gave me guidance in what I want to do with my life, and in what's most important to me.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
As a male I never really felt unsafe, but there were some girls in my program who didn't feel that way. Additionally, there is a lot of petty theft and pickpocketing, so be wary of that. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60-$75 range |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
All classes were in Spanish, as were our homestays. They did allow us to use English when talking to one another. |
| 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 321: Survey of Spanish Literature |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Before the program, I would definitely recommend just talking to other language students in Spanish. During the program, use it as often as you can. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just how insanely fast it flies by. Cherish your time! |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
