Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life changed via fluency, family, and fabulousness of Argentina Past Review

By (Spanish/Sociology, Samford University) - abroad from 02/03/2012 to 06/23/2012 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 incredibly worthwhile, I learned a lot about myself as a person and my capabilities. My Spanish greatly improved. I was able to share with Argentinian friends my culture as an American and learn about our differences. I met some wonderfully kind, open, loving Cordobeses that are hospitable and welcoming, in a way that I had never seen with other people before. I loved my experience and am forever changed because of it.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: PECLA
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

When I went, the administration had just changed so aspects of the program were still getting worked out, but now it should all be settled!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an incredible host family!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had an opporunity to play on a field hockey team, join a church, help out with english classes--all great ways to get integrated!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Insurance coverage was great, I had one insect bite that had an allergic reaction and a doctor came to my house to prescribe medication and it was quick and easy!

* 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/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much as you can!

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

Spanish only policy

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 400 level 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? Listen to Spanish radio, news articles, practice with Hispanics in your area.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • I was able to travel a lot to incredibly beautiful places
  • My Argentinian professors were wonderful
  • My host family experience was something I will never forget
* What could be improved?
  • The excursions that we took with the program could be a little longer and worth the pay
  • It would have been nice for the program directors to check up on us and our family situation to make sure everything was going ok throughout the semester
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew more about the specific internship opportunities before getting there and not being guaranteed a position. I wish I would have taken a class at UNC with Argentinian students.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.