5 Week Summer Abroad in Argentina Past Review
By Keegan B (Spanish, Western Oregon University) for
GEO: Rosario - Study Abroad Programs in Rosario
I learned so much from my experience abroad. I learned more about myself and the world than I could have ever imagined. Studying abroad really changed my life and made me realize what I want to do with this short life I have. I highly recommend going abroad it doesn't even have to be to Argentina it just needs to be somewhere.
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.  | 
 I loved my classes and teachers in Argentina. It was such a different learning experience that I hadn't really had before. The classes were more dynamic, interesting, and empowering.  | 
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 * Host Country Program Administration
 On-site administration of your program  | 
 Everyone that was on staff for our program was extremely helpful and was always there if any of us needed anything. I knew that I always had someone to rely on whether it was the teachers, the staff or the head of the program.  | 
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 * Housing:
 How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?  | 
 I really enjoyed my host stay. I had a great host mom and my apartment was located only a few blocks away from the school so I could walk there. I never felt unsafe or scared in my neighborhood. I always made sure to walk with friends and be aware of my surroundings. I didn't have the best food at my host stay because my mom was diabetic. Other than that though I really enjoyed my housing. I was able to walk almost anywhere I wanted and had a comfortable living arrangement.  | 
| * Food: | 
 I didn't mind the food in Argentina. After a little while you start to think that everything tastes the same. The food is delicious though. Lots of pasta, chicken, steak, bread, ham and such. It is very European.  | 
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 * Social & Cultural Integration:
 How integrated did you feel with the local culture?  | 
 I absolutely loved my group. We all bonded so quickly and really enjoyed together what Argentina had to offer. My favorite excursion was Buenos Aires. It was so beautiful and I wish we could have stayed longer. The only complaint I have about the excursions is that I never felt like we had enough time to shop or explore during the day. The most amazing thing I did was go to Iguazu Falls -- absolutely breathtaking and a must see even though it is a pretty long trek.  | 
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 * Health Care:
 How well were health issues addressed during the program?  | 
 
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| * Safety: | 
 I had been warned about being robbed before going to Argentina. However, once there I never felt unsafe or worried about being robbed. It is just about using common sense. I would recommend bringing a cross body bag just so you can keep your belongings next to you. Never walk home alone at night. It is better to be in a group or at least walking with another person. Talk in Spanish if you are out late so that way you won't be targeted as American. I never had to use any of the health care services but I know that the program was always accommodating.  | 
| 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
| 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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I honestly loved this program. It is a great first study abroad experience. If you have studied abroad before or lived abroad I wouldn't necessarily recommend it just because it is very sheltered. I didn't really get any time to spend with any Argentinians besides my host mom. The classes, the people, the culture, the city are all great. I am planning on living in Buenos Aires Argentina one day if that says anything for you! Go it's amazing! |