Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable city! Past Review

By (University of Rochester) - abroad from 02/28/2016 to 06/24/2016 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved that I got to practice my Spanish everyday. I also feel much more independent now. I had never lived in a big city before, so learning the public transportation system and how to get around made me feel much more comfortable with traveling.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The IES staff is super friendly and accommodating, the location of the school was great, I met some really great Argentine friends, and my Spanish improved significantly.

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? A lot! Since cooking wasn't optional in the homestay, a large portion of my money went to food expenses.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be sure to save up before you leave. Don't rely on buying clothes in the city of Buenos Aires-- it's fun to treat yourself but it's also very expensive.

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? Intermediate Spanish II
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? Be sure that the language learning process doesn't end after school-- meet up with language partners, watch tv in Spanish, read in Spanish, and you will be impressed by how much you improve.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Staff
  • Location
  • Field Trips
* What could be improved?
  • Spanish Grammar classes
  • Cost of living
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how expensive living would be since we were not allowed to cook in homestays. A large portion of my money went towards food.

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!