Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Buena Onda Past Review

By (Journalism., Ithaca College) - abroad from 02/02/2012 to 07/31/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I have gained so many relationships that I hope will last a lifetime: my host family, loves, friends, housemates, Americans, etc. I have proven to myself that I can accomplish a lot, that I can flourish in situations that are challenging, that I have a whole life ahead of me to do whatever I want and I have the skills to make it happen. Also, I have a second home, family and life to return to!

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: PECLA Universidad Nacional de Cordoba
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The educational experience was not fulfilling. The spanish classes felt like a waste of time. I learned more outside of the classroom and was frustrated by the academics.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was absolutely incredible, although hearing about my peers' experiences it seems I was an exception.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was very much integrated with local culture, but I found ways to become involved on my own. The program did not really help out in that regard (except for the speaking partners program). I really put myself out there to make friends with the locals and I was successful. I think the program should try to help students find access to clubs and social events.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Each time I was sick, my host mother called the doctor and he/she came to the house! It was great. And with the OSDE health card medicines were not that expensive.

* Safety:

I felt VERY safe in Córdoba, safer than I have in a lot of American cities. The people are friendly, public transportation is also cheap and safe. I never had a problem.

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? $50 plus more for travel expenses

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

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? 300 level Spanish
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? become friends with locals!!

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

  • 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?
  • host family
  • local friends
  • travels
* What could be improved?
  • program academics
  • program integration with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the academics weren't fulfilling...thankfully I found thousands of other things that were worth it, but as far as a "study" abroad goes in a traditional academic sense, this program is sub-par.