Cordoaba, Argentina: educational, fun, and life-changing. UT, Language and Culture Past Review

By (Plan Ii, The University of Texas at Austin) for

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned an amazing amount about Argentina, a country I knew almost nothing about, and was able to experience for myself a very different and unique culture. I was also able to meet students from around world, not just the U.S. and Argentina (something I had not expected). This made the trip all the more meaningful, because I feel that I now have a greater understanding of the entire world, and especially South America. I also came back a much more confident person. I now know that I can travel the world (leaving behind all the safety of home) and not only survive, but thrive.

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.

This is how I explain the classes to all of my friends and family. If these classes would have been taught in English, they would have been very easy (because of the pace, workload, expected quality of work, etc), but because it was a foreign language, it was perfect. We were still expected to work at a college level, but the amount or difficulty of work never seemed hopeless. It was always very manageable, and I feel that I learned a lot. The grading system is different. You will just have to get used to that, or not. The truth is, you shouldn't be worried about the grading system. This is true of all of college, but especially of Study Abroad: the most important learning will take place outside of the classroom. You should still work hard in your courses abroad, because there is so much to be learned, and seeing things from another point of you can be fascinating, but don't worry about the grades. Also, if your professor comes in a few minutes late, or he/she starts class a few minutes late, don't fret. It is just part of the culture. It doesn't mean the professor doesn't take her/his job seriously.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program staff has worked with many University of Texas students in the past, so they "know the drill" so to speak. Also, all the staff knows English. Although I mainly spoke with them in spanish (which they strongly encourage in order to force you to practice), I could clarify something with them in English if it was necessary. They also know a huge amount about Argentina (because they are all from Argentina), but have also learned a lot about the UT system and bureaucracy. The staff was very accessible. I could stop by the office, email, or call the staff members. The semester program is very small. This has it's good and bad aspects. There is as many resources available as with a large organization, but I think it makes up for it by the one-on-one contact that is available.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I arranged housing through the UT study abroad program at La Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. My neighborhood was an upper middle class neighborhood right next to the University. It was very safe and conveniently located. It was also relatively close to the downtown area (either a long walk or a short taxi ride). My host family provided everything I needed and treated me like a member of the family, except that I wasn't expected to do chores. So, I tried to help set or clean off the table whenever possible.

* Food:

My host family cooked very tasty food. The only thing that kept me from rating it a 5 is that it was a bit repetitive. We basically ate different combinations of pasta, burgers, milenesa (a bit like chicken-fried steak) and side salad. I also went out to eat with friends quite frequently. There are some great choripan stands near parque sarmiental and some fantastic upper-end (although quite expensive) steak places along La Cañada. P.S. I am not, and have never been a vegetarian. However, if you are a vegetarian (and are determined to stay one during your study abroad trip), you should have some very serious discussions with a study abroad advisor before going to Argentina. I'm not sure it would even be possible, because they eat A LOT of meat. On the other hand, if you like meat, have fun!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Cordoba is a fantastic place for young people. There are tons of bars, boliches (clubs), and places to dance. There is a huge park, and many great places to visit just outside of Cordoba. Argentina also has a fantastic inter-city bus system (far better than the U.S.), so you can easily travel for cheap. Also, I went on a two great trips with the program. One to the jesuit missions, and another to Salta and then to a gaucho ranch.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The main threat is pick-pocketing! Be very wary of pick-pockets. They especially seemed to focus on young foreign women with purses. Other than that, there is not much to worry about. Just like any big city, Cordoba has it's rough neighborhoods. Avoid these late at night and you should be fine.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would not eliminate any aspect of the program. Everything was well worth the money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPN 327G: Advanced Grammar and Composition
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

I spoke spanish with my host family, my professors, everyday people in restaurants/shops/bars etc, and my speaking partners. All of my classmates spoke English, including students from the U.S. as well as from Holland, Germany, and Japan, but we all spoke with each other in Spanish at least about half of the time (and all of the time while we were in class). There are some Argentineans that speak English, but most people do not speak it, or do not speak it well. Several of my host siblings, as well as my speaking partners spoke English, so we would sometimes speak in English and sometimes in Spanish so that we could both practice.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is a great program for someone looking for a good school, in a fun mid-to-large city that has a lot of life and activity.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Literature of Argentina

Course Department: PECLA
Instructor: Maria Candelaria
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Yes, this class was definitely challenging, but still quite interesting. We did not go on any field trips, but all of the authors were from Argentina, so everything felt quite relevant. Also, the professor was very knowledgeable. I participated in class about as much as I would have at my home University.
Credit Transfer Issues: Don't put off transferring the credit. Get it done as soon as you get back to the U.S., and preferably before your semester begins at your home university.
Course Name/Rating:

Spanish Conversation II (the highest level)

Course Department: PECLA
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This was a fantastic class. It focused on learning conversational spanish. We learned Argentinean slang, the use of the verb form vos (used instead of the tu form), local pronunciation of words, mannerisms of Argentineans, and anything else useful and related to the Spanish (Castellano) in Cordoba, Argentina
Credit Transfer Issues: Don't put off transferring the credit. Get it done as soon as you get back to the U.S., and preferably before your semester begins at your home university.
Course Name/Rating:

Argentinean History

Course Department: PECLA
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This class was challenging, but quite interesting. We took at least one field trip around the city, where we looked at historical buildings and things relevant to our class. The professor was very knowledgeable about Argentinean history. Occasionally her lectures were a bit dry or on the boring side, but overall they were quite good and I recommend the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: Don't put off transferring the credit. Get it done as soon as you get back to the U.S., and preferably before your semester begins at your home university.
Course Name/Rating:

Culture of Latin America

Course Department: PECLA
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This was a very interesting class, but not too difficult. We went on one walking field trip around the city, and one field trip to a local art museum. Both were worthwhile experiences. The class and professor were great. I participated about as much in class as I would at my home university.
Credit Transfer Issues: Don't put off transferring the credit. Get it done as soon as you get back to the U.S., and preferably before your semester begins at your home university.