Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

INCREDIBLE Past Review

By (Study Abroad, Baylor University) - abroad from 07/29/2014 to 12/15/2014 with

Universidad Nacional de Cuyo: Mendoza - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to better adapt, appreciate differences and changes, manage independence, and see life through so many different perspectives. Cliché, but easily one of the best experiences of my life.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around $50, more or less depending on if I traveled on the weekend
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? make friends with local students and pay attention to what they think is a good deal or not

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPA 3302
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? listen to the music on your own and stumble through conversations as much as possible - swallow your pride

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 people
  • the culture
  • the country
* What could be improved?
  • information prior to leaving
  • organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A little bit more information as to the class style could have been helpful but I wasn't missing any critical information before I got there. Everything was manageable.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'