Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A slightly stressful but really effective and unforgettable five months. Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 07/20/2015 to 12/16/2015 with

CIEE: Buenos Aires - Liberal Arts

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained higher fluency, and have become more confident in approaching people back at home (it's so much easier in English!), and overall I've gained some independency.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The intensity of direct enrollment at UBA was very challenging, but I think my Spanish language skills went through the roof because of it. The staff at CIEE provided me with a tutor the minute things got difficult, and he was a fantastic help.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

At times, there were last-minute announcements or notices, and there was not much information given to us BEFORE we got to the city, but other than that, the staff was very helpful and were always willing to chat.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I am a vegetarian, so my options were a bit limited, but the food was still okay.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Staying safe in Buenos Aires is a lot like staying safe in any other big city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would want to have a different experience this time in a different location.

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely to save up beforehand, so you can take opportunities to travel, go to events.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

We were frequently encouraged, but a lot of us simply spoke English amongst ourselves.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second year University-level Spanish
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? Make local friends. It is not that easy to do, but take advantage of the conversation groups that the program provides, talk to students in your direct enrollment classes. And talk to your host families, tutors, instructors IN SPANISH.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • the direct enrollment opportunity and the tutoring
  • the extracurricular activities provided by CIEE
  • the accessibility of the staff at any time.
* What could be improved?
  • coordination and updates from the staff
  • getting grades back sooner.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had saved some more money before going, so I could travel more, and that I had known that Buenos Aires is overall very safe. I think I was initially really scared to even walk from school to home, but there was nothing to worry about.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'