Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pushing myself to grow outside of my comfort zone! Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Fordham University) - abroad from 07/28/2012 to 11/22/2012 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In addition to learning about Argentina and South America, I learned a lot about what it means to be American in today's world. I learned a lot about who I am and what my role is in a global environment. Going abroad was one of the best things I have ever done for myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot of interesting things in the classes, but the workload was very light and not very rigorous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was very disorganized at times. It forced me to be proactive and independent because I did not feel the IES administration could handle some things for me.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was wonderful!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Many students I know in Buenos Aires were the victims of robbery or muggings. Though no one was seriously injured, it is not the safest city. It is important to be street smart and aware of your surroundings.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $50 each week on food, laundry, and other expenses.

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

I took all of my classes in Spanish and always spoke to professors and administrators in Spanish. My host family did not speak any English with me.

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? Spanish 2601
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? Don't let people speak English to you! They may hear your accent and assume it would be easier to speak English, but if you insist on practicing another language people will appreciate that you are trying to learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Freedom to travel
  • Option to take classes at Argentine universities
  • Improving Spanish fluency
* What could be improved?
  • Administrative organization
  • Safety
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that many students were coming with friends from their home universities. It was a little hard to find friends at first because so many people already knew each other.

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 Adventurer
The 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.