Mi vida porteña Past Review

By (Western Kentucky University) - abroad from 02/23/2019 to 06/14/2019 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile, I learned how to be independent and bold. I also learned how to appreciate the culture of the country in which I was travelling.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were good, but because specifically tailored for an exchange program, not too rigorous or challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site directors, Raul and Beatriz, were extremely helpful and welcoming. I always felt like I could talk to them about whatever I needed and our activities were always well-led and wonderful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my big host family!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Sometimes I felt a little detached from the culture just because I spent most my time with other exchange students from the program and the University, all who spoke English and the majority from the US.

* 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

SOL was, based on other students' at the university programs, the most authentic and warm. I felt like we did a lot of local activities with a personal touch that the others did not have.

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)

It was a little difficult, because I think the average income / financial parental support of other students on the abroad trip was higher than mine and so I had to sacrifice a little to be able to continue to support myself and my daily activities more than I thought I would have to.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to go out every weekend at the beginning because it will drain your funds. Try and buy groceries instead of going out to lunch everyday.

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

Some other students had a pretty beginner level of Spanish, so our directors would speak mainly in English for them.

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? Spanish 381
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? Go to language-practice events, like Mate Club or Mundo Linguo.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • 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 directors
  • The activities
  • The environment created among everyone
* What could be improved?
  • Some activities
  • The university
  • Spanish use
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is okay if you are not financially able enough to do all the same social events as everyone, just be smart and pick the events/trips you can and don't feel bad if you can't do everything.

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!