Eye-opening in Cordoba Past Review
By A student (International Business/Spanish, New Mexico State University) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 05/07/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
Yes. I gained independence, open-mindedness toward other lifestyles and an appreciation for the Spanish language.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Spanish language courses taught through COINED were beneficial but I never felt that they were academically rigorous. My classes were geared toward a well-rounded combination of classroom learning, cultural activities and social aspects. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family that was extremely accommodating to my needs and wishes. I found this family through a source unrelated to my university. |
| * Food: |
|
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a host family helped substantially with cultural exposure and local social interaction. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Not applicable. |
| * 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) |
The prices in the country where I studied were comparable to those of the US. I was granted a scholarship through the Study Abroad office that did not require much hassle to obtain. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * 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? | $50-$75 |
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 |
Aside from other English speaking students, we were constantly expected to communicate in Spanish while in and outside the classroom. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 314 |
| 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? | Try to avoid students who speak your mother tongue. Try to remember that everyone is learning and not to be embarrassed to make a mistake. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The other classes offered besides Spanish courses. |
