Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Paris of South America Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 03/03/2013 to 06/28/2013 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My spanish definitely improved and I learned how to be street smart. Living in Buenos Aires gives you an appreciation for the little things.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

IES courses are full of busy work and attendance is mandatory. My spanish definitely improved, but there seems to be infinite number of meaningless lectures that you're required to sit through.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IES coordinators are eager to help when you need something, however, as with everything in Buenos Aires, there often seems to be a lack of organization.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose to live in the dorm, which was good in the sense that you are surrounded by both students in your program and students studying from all over South America. On the other hand, the dorm is located in a run down area of San Telmo. Moreover, you have to commute 30 minutes on the subway just to get to the IES center.

* Food:

Buenos Aires has tons of amazing restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think studying in Buenos Aires allows you to become more connected with the culture than students who study abroad in Europe. Because transportation in South America isn't as convenient as the train system in Europe, you tend to spend more time in Buenos Aires as opposed to traveling.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Be careful of pickpockets.

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)

Buenos Aires can be very cheap or very expensive depending on your tastes. If you come with U.S. dollars, you'll have access to a much better exchange rate. Taxis and food also tend to be much cheaper in Argentina than the U.S..

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use Xoom

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPN 611D at UT Austin
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 locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 city
  • The food
  • The culture
* What could be improved?
  • IES courses
  • the commute
  • the wifi
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To bring U.S. dollars, to get a Brazilian visa, to know more about the living options

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!