Cordoba siempre en mi corazon Past Review

By (Development Economics and International Development., University of the Pacific) - abroad from 02/03/2012 to 07/02/2012 with

SSA Education Abroad: Córdoba - Semester, Year or Summer in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I learned a lot more about my own comfort zone and taught myself how to step out of my boundaries in uncomfortable situations in order to embrace a whole different and exciting culture.

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Clothes, shoes, and other accessories in stores are way too overpriced. Try to buy most items at open air markets or places where you are able to bargain.

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

We had to buy a cake if we were caught speaking english during school hours.

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? 4th semester of Spanish
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? Meet locals who are able to patiently help you with your spanish.

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
  • International Students
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?
  • The university and its location
  • Host family and accomodations
  • excursions to buenos aires and other areas
* What could be improved?
  • Preparation for the CELU exam
  • Speaking partner experience
  • more organization for visa process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Cordoba, Argentina has no food variety and they hate spicy food