Buenos Aires, Argentina: An experience to treasure forever Past Review
By Megan P (Communication Sciences and Disorders, Appalachian State University) for
BridgeAbroad: Buenos Aires - Intensive Spanish Language
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. Learning Spanish has always been something I've wanted to do, but I never seemed to have the time to continue learning the language after college. This program re-confirmed that learning Spanish (and hopefully becoming fluent) is definitely something I will continue to pursue as long as I am able. I also hope to eventually incorporate Spanish into my job as a Speech-Language Pathologist. I spent about 2 extra weeks, in addition to my 4 weeks of classes, in Buenos Aires. I really developed a love for Argentina and look forward to returning to Argentina so I can travel to other parts of the country.
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Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teachers were always prepared and very knowledgable about the Spanish language, especially the dialectal and vocabulary differences heard in Buenos Aires. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had 4 weeks of classes at BridgeAbroad in Buenos Aires. Everyone that worked at the BridgeAbroad Buenos Aires school (teachers, administration) were very knowledgable about Argentina and Buenos Aires. They were understanding and accommodating. The students were divided up well and in small groups, which helped with instruction. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was assigned a hostel through BridgeAbroad where I was supposed to stay during my 4 weeks of classes. There were other Americans staying there taking classes at the school. There were also other people staying there that were local citizens. My initial impression of the hostel was that it was a safe area, very close to the school and provided sheets, towels, blanket, heater, etc.. If you chose to cook your own meals, you had to buy your own dish detergent, sponge, and dish towel. The majority of employees were welcoming and helpful. |
| * Food: |
The breakfast provided was wonderful! I loved the medialunas and cafe con leche. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were multiple opportunities for social and cultural events/attractions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Overall, I felt very safe in Buenos Aires. Some of the street sidewalks were not taken care of very well and you had to be careful walking, but Buenos Aires is a large city. I did not feel that anything stood out safety-wise in Buenos Aires, that wouldn't be found in any other large world city. I did not need any vaccines to come to Argentina. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I could practice my Spanish with my assigned teacher or other teachers in the school. I also practiced with my classmates and people I met where I stayed. I did use the host country language (Spanish) in my everyday interactions. When I first arrived in Buenos Aires, I had a hard time finding people within the city that spoke English. At the school, most people spoke English. |
| 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? | I would tell a student considering this program to come to Buenos Aires with an open-mind. Buenos Aires is a unique city with a fast-paced daily life and night life. It also has quaint areas that are calm and relaxing. Someone coming to this program needs to be prepared to enjoy both "sides" of the city in order to fully experience Buenos Aires. All students and non-students would benefit from this program. |
