Learning and discovering in Argentina Past Review

By (Public Affairs and Community Service, University of North Texas) - abroad from 07/18/2015 to 11/06/2015 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was definitely worthwhile, and my level of Spanish improved greatly, and I learned a lot in my classes that I took while in Argentina.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host mother, Muchy. She was very accommodating and caring, and any doubt I had she addressed it with patience and kindness.

* Food:

Muchy always fed us very well, and we were never left hungry.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated, but not completely, and there's no way to feel complete integrated into a culture being a foreigner.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health problems, so I can't really give this section a rating

* Safety:

Overall, the city is pretty safe, and nothing happened to me, but my advice for future student is to not be stupid and don't have your phones out on the street, don't keep anything in your pockets, and again, don't be stupid and think the city is completely safe.

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)

From a scale of 1-5, I'd says a 3. I was able to buy food cheaply, but sometimes I went to the store to buy some groceries and snacks, which raised my budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $50/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save all the money you can before you go abroad, and if there's a higher blue/tourist rate, bring a lot of cash and exchange your money that way.

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

We were encouraged to use Spanish in all of our classes, actually, we could only use Spanish in all of my classes, because I took all my classes in 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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Spanish Grammar
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? Practice with your host family, use it at school.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Being in a different country
  • Traveling
  • Making new friends
* What could be improved?
  • Organization of some events
  • Better use of time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring cash to exchange at the blue rate, learn more Argentine slang, bring more weather-versatile clothes.

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!