Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience I will never forget! Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., Ohio Wesleyan University) - abroad from 03/01/2013 to 06/28/2013 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned what is it is like to live in a huge city, experienced another culture, and what it is like to live in a country that is different than the US. It was worthwhile.

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.

All resources for the IES classes are online, but you can buy the book if you choose. The professors are willing to answer any questions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Apply online

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a home stay, the family was so nice and helpful.

* Food:

The family made breakfast and dinner for me every Monday-Friday. It was delicious. For the other meals, I would go to local restaurants. I never found a bad restaurant.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was really easy to immerse myself into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The doctor's make house calls, so it was very easy to get treatment. The program costs pays for international health insurance and gives you all the information you need to get the healthcare you need. There are no vaccines needed for the program, but if you travel to Iguazu, get the Yellow Fever vaccine.

* Safety:

Many people get robbed in Buenos Aires. Some advice is to walk with a purpose, always have a hand on your bag, and do not use a backpack. When traveling, don't leave your stuff unattended. If you are on a overnight bus, then sleep on your belongings, so it's harder to get stolen.

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)

I spent $100 a week on my meals that I had to provide for myself.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use your visa for cheaper travel tickets and some places accept the International Student ID for discounts.

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

We were encouraged to speak Spanish all the time, even to our English speaking friends.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Span 352
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak it as much as possible, listen to music with spanish lyrics.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The trip to ESMA
  • The tango and cooking classes
  • The culture and history in every converation
* What could be improved?
  • The Spanish Language Program with a Argentine partner
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the Spanish dialect is different than other Spanish speaking countries.

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!