Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Teaching English in Montevideo: Tranquilo, Che Past Review

By (Comparative Literature, University of California - Berkeley) for

Study Abroad Programs in Uruguay

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. It has greatly improved my Spanish and introduced me to a new culture.

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.

The Spanish classes were very relaxed and very small (1-3 people), with locals who were very passionate and creative in their teaching. Classes ranged from straightforward grammar lessons to museum visits to lectures on art and literature. I did not take the courses for a grade.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My expectations were met, but someone going ot Uruguay should realize that the culture is much more slow-paced than it often is at an American university.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a house with five other people who were a mix of exchange students and young people working and interning in Uruguay.

* Food:

The food in Uruguay was fine, just not very varied.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The social aspect of living in Montevideo was great. It is a small city so you can meet people and make friends and constantly run into the same people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I did not need any vaccines and I felt just as safe as I do in my home university.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I practiced with friends who were exchange students, foreign workers, or native workers.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Great experience to learn how to teach- I had to create my own syllabus and lesson plans.
* What could be improved?
  • more organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This was a very independent program, so I would suggest being prepared to figure out things on your own. It's good for someone who is not as interested in group travel and who is looking to spend less money and have more decisions in their abroad experience.