Phenomenal Experience in Buenos Aires Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were informative and challenging, but not overwhelming. My language class at IES was a blast, and I quickly was introduced to the lunfardo of everyday speech. If you're interested in Marketing at all, take Professor Martin Tessi's Marketing in Latin America course--a lot of fun and a couple of field trips involved.

On-site administration of your program

I had a friend who missed his student-visa appointment and the staff member at IES volunteered to go down with him (alone) again to the Immigration office to sit through hours of torturing boredom and see him through. That speaks a lot to the general attitude of most of the IES staff, they're really there to help you get what you need, and will work with you to find out how.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The home stay that IES provided me could not have been better. I was placed in a family of eight, including a dog, and was welcomed home everyday with heartwarming ladrido! My Spanish (Castellano) got infinitely better just by living with my family, and it helped that their patience was also infinite.

Argentine beef is delicious, but the good stuff is expensive (obviously). And if you're not careful, you'll end up eating empanadas and milanesas the whole time you're there, definitely try to branch out early to maintain your pallet. By the end of the trip we found a great Indian restaurant, a Thai restaurant, and a Vietnamese pho restaurant (incredibly expensive, but worth it after a couple months without pho). There is sushi everywhere, of course, and Chinese food can be found around the corner of IES. Overall, food is satisfactory, just don't expect to be eating the portions of an American restaurant.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was in the hands of friendly, capable, and helpful IES staff (most of whom were Porteños). The orientation period was honestly one of the highlights of the trip; it gave us the opportunity to really immerse ourselves in the Argentine culture right away by providing tours around the city, day trips to estancias, and quality time to bond with our new teachers and the orientation staff. It also allowed us to really get to know our new peers and classmates. The city of Buenos Aires itself was simply spectacular. A huge metropolitan area constantly animated by the energy of millions of people. Walking around the streets was in itself an enjoyment as I was subsequently sucked into the fast-paced hustle and bustle of an inner city. There was so much to see and and so much to do, I only wish I could have spent a year (or 2, or 3) exploring all the different barrios! The nightlife could not have been better. The city is covered with fun social venues of all kinds, whether they be casual restaurants and bars, or party-hardy, early morning clubs, Buenos Aires has them all. Having the opportunity to meet locals and enjoy nights out with them in their element was beyond fantastic (and it helps that Argentines aren't too painful to look at as well). Definitely, go BsAs!!!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There are sketchy places and neighborhoods in every major city in the world, but the interesting thing about Buenos Aires is the proximity of the rich neighborhoods with the poor. There doesn't seem to be a logical pattern as to the layout of run down barrios and well-developed barrios. Never did I feel unsafe during the day anywhere in the city, but at night things could get a little weird if I was by myself. Stay with your friends, always have your phone on you, and ONLY take the taxis that IES recommends you take (Radio Taxis).

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

I came in a little rusty in my Spanish (hadn't taken it since high school, had taken 3 semesters of German in college, go figure), so I was expecting a little friction initially. IES helped me right away by insisting that I practice my Spanish and learn what I needed to learn to keep a conversation going. Now I'm comfortable approaching a Spanish speaker knowing I can hold my own in another language. Thanks, IES!

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• Program engagement with the city of Buenos Aires via insightful, interactive tours and day trips.

• Go Green, Argentina!