Awesome Argentina: Spanish in Buenos Aires! Past Review
By Jeanette S (Spanish Language and Literature., New Mexico State University) for
BridgeAbroad: Buenos Aires - Intensive Spanish Language
It was worth it! I never was very interested in South America; maybe because it seemed too close to home. But having traveled in Argentina, learning more of the language and meeting the people, I really want to go back and discover more of that area! I hope in the future to be able to spend more time in South America and work with the people there!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The whole experience was better than I had been expecting. My host family was encouraging and helpful. The work load was fairly light yet useful. All the teachers were friendly. I enjoyed the teaching method a lot. Teachers were rotated every two to three days, so I experienced a slightly different form of teaching at least twice a week. The method also focused on conversation. After two weeks I felt a lot more confident in speaking. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was able to meet all of the faculty at the school and all of them were interested in how I was doing academically and how I was enjoying my stay. They worked hard to make sure that I was comfortable in the surroundings and that I was receiving the best program for me. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed with an older couple who really cared for me and made sure that I was ok. The wife cooked excellent meals and she greatly encouraged me to talk with her, asking about my day, family, school back home, etc. My favorite time was after dinner when we would all sit around the table, sip tea and discuss art, international happenings, or whatever struck our fancy. The house was very comfortable and the neighborhood was nice, though not high-scale. My host-family made sure that I knew the safest ways to get around the city. |
| * Food: |
It was all very good! Not that spicy, but very tasty. I would recommend the empanadas, the milinasa, and the ice cream. And dulce de leche is a must try! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Try to experience the country as well as the city. I went to a "Goucho day" (Argentinean cowboy) demonstration and really enjoyed it. I also recommend saving up some extra money and viewing the falls at Iguazu. They are amazing! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt well looked after and I rearly felt nervous. I did my best to avoid any situations that could be bad, and I knew that my host family and the people in my program were looking out for me. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's easy to spend more than you were planning due to the rate of exchange being in your favor. Just be wise and keep good track of your account. |
Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it! I really felt my knowledge of Spanish being challenged, but I came away with a lot more confidence in speaking and a great desire to see Argentina again! |
