No Rules Exist In Buenos Aires Past Review
By Daniel H (PSYCHOLOGY., Fordham University) - abroad from 02/21/2013 to 07/21/2013 with
CIEE: Buenos Aires - Liberal Arts
South America and North America are separated for a reason
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
By nature, the classes in this program are not extremely difficult, however the fact that they are all in Spanish and the accent of Buenos Aires makes the classes moderately challenging. Its nothing that is impossible to pass, however I do find myself stressing from academics here and now. But in reality, this is a good thing because the classwork really teaches you Spanish, and why else would you be down in South America? |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Most of the program administrators are great. There was one or two who rubbed me the wrong way, but overall they are awesome. There are times where you will be dancing and drink Malbec with them all night. And other times where they constantly harass you over tiny details. Overall they try and make it feel like a family |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The first housing family I lived with was riddled with issues. We didnt talk to each other, she was a crazy pro government woman (which in Argentina really speaks volumes), she looked down upon spending money, and she was reserved and spent all the time with her boyfriend in their room. Then I moved and I couldnt say nicer things about the family I am with now. It is honestly like a family, there is someone to talk to at all hours of the day, they are extremely warm, and we have our own parilla set (Argentine BBQ) |
| * Food: |
Argentina offers some of THE BEST food, and some of the most repetitive foods. I was always in reach of good, cheap food here. And when my friends and I wanted to get "crazy" and go out for dinner, its easy to have a steak meal with bottles of wine for about 150-200 pesos a person (20USD) |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Definitely more integrated than the other programs that are in Buenos Aires, however Argentine culture is fairly closed off from extrañjeros. I definitely experienced the local culture to a sufficient level and made a few Argentine friends on the way |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Never had to use it thank god. I am not the best person to ask, but I feel like most people were fine with it |
| * Safety: |
Buenos Aires is a constant shit show (In good ways and bads). Life here is fast paced, and it takes something big to really stand out here. Safety is kind of teetering on the edge of life and death some days, but overall if you are aware of where you are and how to protect yourself you will be fine. Ojo! There are some sneaky sneaky robbers that are here |
| 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) |
This city is EXTREMELY affordable, if you dont look at the money like monopoly money. If you need to be on a budget, and have the self restraint, then you can do it |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try and eat at home with your host parents as much as you can. Bars become expensive, dont forget about the good Pre game |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Siempre |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | 2500? |
| 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? | Argentina is difficult because in order to really achieve fluency, you need to fully immerse yourself in a Argentine social circle. Which is easier said than done. Make sure you have a family that is always interested in talking with you, and not just doing it for the cash |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There are NO beaches in Buenos Aires |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
