Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Making the most of my experience during a pandemic Past Review

By (Texas A&M University - College Station) - abroad from 01/31/2020 to 06/19/2020 with

AIFS: Buenos Aires – University of Belgrano

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about resilience. I had to navigate a new country, new experience, and a pandemic all within a few weeks, and with AIFS I had the guidance I needed to stay on track and stay safe.

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

AIFS is an all-inclusive program, so my housing, food, and flight were all covered by my fee to AIFS. The staff in the U.S. and Argentina are also super responsive and helpful

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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use only cash instead of your credit card so you can budget better, plus many places in Buenos Aires are cash only

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? Intermediate
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 202
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? Talk with your host family in Spanish frequently!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Flight Package
  • Friendly Host Family
  • Good housing locations
* What could be improved?
  • More well planned out excursions
  • Assistance with laundry, or at least more knowledge on how its done
  • Bonding with other AIFS students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that you have to do your own laundry, and that laundry service in Argentina works much differently than the US. That would've helped me a lot more with packing and planning what to wear

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!