Well-organized, allows you to personalize your experience, unforgettable! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Buenos Aires CEA recognizes the importance of rigorous academic courses, but they are also understanding that part of our learning will occur outside of the classroom. The classes were not overly-rigorous, but provided a great context for critical thinking, practicing Spanish, and business concepts. Many out-of-the-classroom excursions (tours of local businesses, museums, theaters, etc.) helped bring classes to life.

On-site administration of your program

The staff was always on-hand to assist with academic, personal, or city-related questions. Students were always clearly and promptly informed of various events (via email, in person, etc.). All employees very friendly and are personally invested in the success of students.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did a homestay and was paired up with another girl in my program to live with a family of four (mom, dad, two sons ages 10 and 11). The family dynamic was a great experience, and I was constantly prompted and encouraged to speak in Spanish. The dinners were great as well, and the family was very flexible with our nightlife habits (for example, just leave them a note or send them a text if we would be gone for dinner, gone for the night, etc.- no curfew).

In general, Argentina has a lot of meat, bread, and cheese (the healthy stuff!). Dinners at my house were consistent with this: milanesa (breaded meat filet, chicken, carne (beef), pasta. Dinners often were with a small side salad, or fruit for dessert. Breakfasts are generally smaller than in the states (cereal or toast, coffee or tea). Of course, on the weekends food could be purchased at grocery stores or restaurants throughout the city.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In the specific program I was in, I had classes with other students from the States. Without Argentine students in class, it made it more difficult to meet Argentines. In general, the Argentine women can be tough to get to know, so not having classes with them made it difficult for me. However, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in events and activities through CEA that allow you to interact with Argentines. I would say that by the end of the program, I did not make many Argentine friends specifically, but I met many other international students, and I felt very comfortable making my way around the city and understanding the culture of the people.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never used the health care program through CEA. However, I was aware that I could go to the doctor here, bring the receipt to our coordinators, and I would be reimbursed.

For a large city, Buenos Aires is reasonably safe. However, like any big city, issues can occur. The most common problem experienced in our group was petty theft: cell phones and money getting lifted at boliches (clubs), scams on the streets where one person would distract the student while the other took their wallet, grabbing unattended purses at restaurants. We also had one incident of a student getting physically assaulted at night when she was walking alone (luckily she was left only with bruises). Especially as a woman, it is advised to travel with others at night and to be aware of your surroundings (I hate to say this because it sounds so gender-specific, but women here are more targeted). Finally, cat-calling is very prevalent here and can be uncomfortable.

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

Buenos Aires has lots of opportunities to spend money, but it also has a lot of free events and opportunities as well. For the most part, the amount of money you spend here depends on how much you want to spend. In my case, I tried to spend minimally throughout the week ($50/week) and save up for bigger trips on our breaks and long weekends.

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

I came to Buenos Aires with 4 years of high school and around 15 university credits of Spanish (I passed into Advanced). Taking 3 of the 4 of my courses in Spanish, living with a host family, and going to social events around the city (ex: Mundo Lingo) encouraged practice in Spanish. The program can be for all levels of Spanish, so don't fret if you don't know any Spanish - we had a few students in this situation as well. For students living in the Residencia (a large house with around 15 students living together), English was normally spoken, so if you're looking to really learn the language, I recommend a host family.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• The Staff
• Planned excursions (Tigre, Colonia, Iguazu)
• Housing Accommodation Options and Location

• Transportation to airport at conclusion of program.
• Another course offered in Spanish (only 3 available)
• Clearer instructions of how to get from housing to study center (perhaps step-by-step instructions via email before start of program)

The Academic or Linguist