Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Three Weeks of My Life Past Review

By (Calabasas High School) - abroad from 07/26/2014 to 08/15/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became a different person during my time abroad. I learned to appreciate things in a different way, and my ability to speak Spanish improved so much. It was definitely worth while.

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.

There were always plenty of resources available to me, and the academic aspect of the program was phenomenal.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The directors were incredibly friendly, helpful, and supportive in every way possible. I honestly have nothing bad to say.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food was one of the highlights of my entire trip.

* 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)

My lifestyle in Buenos Aires was incredibly inexpensive, and I think that virtually everyone would be able to afford it.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I recommend that you do not buy all of your souvenirs at once. Try to not get too excited when you see all of the inexpensive gifts that are available to you.

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

The was constant encouragement to practice my Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? Spanish III
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? Do not give up; be persistent with your efforts and your use of the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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 opportunities to speak Spanish
  • The friends I made
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing can be improved; I enjoyed it all immensely.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? In all honesty, I wished I had known that I should bring a reusable water bottle.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!