Name: Anthony James
Major: International Relations
Program: MenteArgentina
Traveled Abroad Before: No

Q: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your study abroad experience?
A: I traveled to Argentina to study español. It was difficult for me to learn another language in a classroom setting only, and I needed something more to help. My two months in Argentina allowed me to gain much needed experience. It is much easier to study another language in a country where they speak it, and where you are forced to use it.

Q: Why did you choose this destination?
A: I chose this destination because the program was varied with classroom studies and excursions. Their were many choices and they were very accommodating. You could stay as long as you needed, and you could live where you wanted, in a homestay, shared apartment, student residence, or individual apartment. It was also very affordable.

Q: What are some things that surprised you about the campus, the classes, the culture, customs or traditions?
A: There was nothing that was completely unexpected. There were plenty of differences culturally, but nothing that was too difficult to adjust to. Their version of Spanish in Argentina is a little different from what I had learned in the classroom at GVSU, but not so different as to confuse or frustrate me (The tu form is vos, irregular verbs are not irregular in this form, and they pronounce their y's and ll's differently).

Q: What are some things you would like students to know about studying abroad in this destination or the program provider you studied with?
A: The city was very safe and the mas transit system was very organized, making it extremely easy to get around the city. The program providers stay in touch with you during your entire stay and invite you on different excursions weekly. The people who work with the program are all young individuals and we all became friends right away.

Q: What advice would you offer?
A: If you choose this program and you really want to focus on Spanish, than I suggest you stay in a homestay. I stayed in a shared apartment where everyone spoke English. Some of my roommates decided only to communicate in Spanish, but others were there for different reasons, so they only spoke in English. Be prepared for terrible customer service everywhere you go, give yourself some time if you need to go to the bank or supermarket.

Q: What was your academic goal while studying abroad?
A: I went to receive credits for Spanish courses.

Question? Email Anthony!