Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Global consciousness reached, life experiences gained, so much fun had! Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 05/12/2012 to 05/25/2012 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): Traveling - Jaguar Conservation, Argentina / Brazil

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My second time coming on this trip gave me even greater motivation to learn Spanish and allowed me to focus my direction for the future based on the people I met and the information I learned. The opportunity to do my Graduate research in Misiones has changed my vision for my whole life. It feels as though I was always meant to be there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to eat at less expensive restaurants

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? Review common phrases needed for ordering food, finding your way around, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • I enjoyed most spending time in the Atlantic Forest.
  • Interacting with the Guarani family
  • Visiting Iguazu Falls
* What could be improved?
  • The cost of the restaurants was too much for my budget.
  • I think we should have made time for discussions every night of the trip, not just the last few days.
  • I would have preferred to visit the National Art Museum in Buenos Aires instead of the other one.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I just ran out of money, so I wish had known to bring more.