Argentina- Una Aventura Maravillosa! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found the Latin American Studies at the University of Belgrano to be easy, but I am also a native Spanish speaker. If I would've done courses with Argentines I think it would have been more of a challenge, however it worked out that the classes I took were not very rigorous and I was able to travel a lot on the weekends.

On-site administration of your program

The CEA staff were all wonderful and usually very helpful and attentive to our needs. They made me feel really welcome and at home when I first arrived in Buenos Aires, and were for the most part very organized and courteous.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I cannot have asked for a better living arrangement. I was in the Residencia Eldita's, and every single person I lived with became my brother or sister. It was really a huge family, and after just a week you become so close and comfortable with everyone. I loved that there was always someone to chat with, go out with, chill out with. I highly recommend Residencia Eldita's if you are social, open, and can adapt easily to living with many kids. Eldita is one of the warmest, most affectionate women you will ever meet- you can chat with her for hours about her stories of living abroad, or go to her with any problem you might have. She is a wonderful resource to practice Spanish with and to learn how to cook! I made some wonderful friends who I know I will keep in touch with for years to come. I had some of the funniest, best experiences of my life in this house and I'll never forget Eldita and my chicos!

No complaints. Elda was a fabulous cook- always making traditional Argentine dishes, and her delicious monthly paella. The food can be very heavy, especially when first adjusting to the Argentine diet, so take it easy the first week- don't go too crazy with dessert and dulce de leche. There is a TON of bread and carbs- expect to gain a little weight if you don't continue a regular exercise routine. I was never left hungry and some of my best memories were made sitting at the dinner tables with all of my housemates and during birthdays, when Elda would make a cake and we'd all sing Happy Birthday in Spanish.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like my school, University of Belgrano, segregated the international students a little bit- we were just on two floors, and the other Argentine students were on different ones. I do wish I would've taken a course with Argentines to feel a little more integrated. However, University of Belgrano does have sports that are a great way to meet Argentine locals; in addition, CEA offers various integration meetings with locals. I felt that the most of my cultural integration came from traveling and going to more local bars in Buenos Aires- do that as much as you can! Don't be that person that goes abroad for a semester only to say they only hung out with Americans.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The CEA staff was very receptive to my needs when I had a sinus infection during my first few weeks in Buenos Aires- I got the necessary care and medicine I needed. Before arriving, I had the Hep B vaccine, and got yellow fever and chicken pox vaccinations just in case.

Buenos Aires is a huge city, so it's important to take the necessary precautions. Don't act like an obnoxious American in public.. it can make you an easy target. Try to go out in smaller groups and avoid speaking English loudly in public. While I never felt like I was personally endangered, I did witness some sketchy things. It's good to always keep your guard up. Never walk alone at night and always hold your belongings close to you, especially on crowded streets and on public transportation.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Dorm
• Hostel

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Americans
• International Students

• The people
• The travels and insanely beautiful sights
• The culture and nightlife

• The only thing I have to complain about are general annoyances- a lack of efficiency in many bureaucracies. But this isn't really something that you can change, and it's better to just adapt.

The Avid Adventurer