Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Porteña for a Semester Past Review

By (Anthropology & Psychology, Trinity University) - abroad from 07/27/2013 to 11/22/2013 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself from my time abroad. I am more independent and have been more confident of myself. I've also learned how to make anything happen if I'm determined.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed my time in Buenos Aires with IES Abroad and I wouldn't have gone with another program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I loved the staff at IES! They were super friendly and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host mom! I lived with another IES student and we had a lot of freedom.

* Food:

The food in Argentina can be better. Dinner felt repetitive at times but otherwise it was ok.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with the local culture. I would like IES to do more activities with locals though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was only sick once and I just stayed home w/o getting a doctor checkup.

* Safety:

You definitely need to be aware of your surroundings. Only once did I almost get rob and it was because I wasn't as aware of my surroundings. Definitely don't dress super flashy and keep hold of your Iphone.

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)

$30 would be good for a week. I spent majority of my money during the weekends than the week.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use Xoom! Don't withdraw from ATMs.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? Make friends with locals! Go to the movies in Spanish (it really does help).

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation could be limited to a week.
  • Staff should let students know they can stay in Argentina past the program date.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have liked more communication from the staff prior to depature. A lot of details I didn't learn until a month or so before.

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.