Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Divertiendo Buenos Aires Past Review

By (Liberal Arts- International Relations, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/22/2012 to 06/28/2012 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew up 10 years this semester. Buenos Aires is a very chaotic city that needs an independent and strong person to move around.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad de Ciencias y Empresas
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 classes were challenging, but it was good that each class went at the right pace.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did independent housing.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived with my friend from Argentina so i felt integrated quite fast.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They program was very helpful. They offered to take me to the doctor multiple times. However, since I lived far away fromt he program I went to different doctors. I didn't have to get a vaccine to go to Buenos Aires.

* Safety:

Argentina can be a very dangerous city. I felt comfortable taking public transportation and walking by myself, however I had to be careful with my things as there are a lot of robberies Also, because of the economic crisis, I've heard of people being killed. Fortunately nothing extreme happened to me. My cellphone got robbed at a club.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Going out to eat, alcohol, and clothing were all expensive. I would advise cooking at home. Traveling was very inexpensive though.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No

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

Although my teachers in my classes wanted us to speak spanish, because most of the students are beginners in the program it was difficult to be speaking spanish.

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? I had completed all of my language classes.
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? Meet people outside of the program. Be confident to start speaking spanish at the beginning and speak with your friends.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • speaking spanish
  • meeting my friends
  • how they helped with visas, etc.
* What could be improved?
  • get more international students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My insurance paid for all my doctors bills. I wish I had taken advantage of that.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.