Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best experience of my life Past Review

By (Political Science and Government, Sociology, Rice University) - abroad from 07/25/2015 to 11/21/2015 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned so much about the culture and history of Argentina, and my Spanish and intercultural skills improved. I also learned a lot about myself and what I value. It can be challenging at times, but it was a really positive experience overall.

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.

The courses I took were interesting and appropriately rigorous. My abilities reading and writing in Spanish improved greatly.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration could be a little more organized, but they were very helpful and supportive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Empanadas, dulce de leche, steak, and ice cream. Yum.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I was integrated into Argentine culture, but it can be somewhat challenging to make friends with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed to see a doctor once when I was abroad, and the IES staff was incredibly helpful. They recommended a hospital and helped me set up the appointment. Before going to Argentina, I got the vaccines for Typhoid and Yellow Fever, but I don't think either are necessary for traveling to Buenos Aires.

* Safety:

You have to be very careful with your belongings on the street and in public places. No one on my program had anything stolen, but most locals I talked to had been robbed in Bs As.

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? Not including traveling, $50-$60 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make and bring your lunches

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

All of my classes were in Spanish, and I spoke Spanish with my host family. I wish I had spoken in Spanish with the other students in my program more than I did.

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? 300-level
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? Speak in Spanish with the other American students in your program.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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 excursions and field trips
  • Supportive staff
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation programming
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about Argentina's complicated economy/monetary system before I went, but I think it has improved since they elected a new president.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'