Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Unforgettable Journey Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 02/18/2017 to 06/18/2017 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience in Buenos Aires was truly unforgettable. That is a cliche thing to say, I know, as it is said by virtually each and every student who studies abroad. But I truly believe that my time not only in Buenos Aires, but specifically with IES was a special one to say the least. Buenos Aires is a magical city. You have the South American culture, yet in a very European-like, metropolitan city. The Spanish is so beautiful, yet the people are even more so - in their looks and in their actions. They are kind, welcoming, encouraging, and respectful, and they make you want to experience their hometown like they have. I had this experience both with random locals I met, with my host family, and with the people who worked with IES. IES truly could not have made me feel more at home in a city so far and so different from my actual home than they did. The opportunities for community they provided, their services and encouragement they continuously offered, and the ways in which they challenged me to do my best and to make the most out of my experience was second to none, and was with out a doubt one of, if not the, greatest factor in making my time abroad so spectacular. If i could do it again, I would. In a heartbeat.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Wonderful Staff! Welcoming, encouraging, and challenged us to make the most of our experience

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I fell in love with my host mom, Ana! She was so wonderful and truly treated me as a daughter. It was so beneficial to speak with her in Spanish, and her home was lovely.

* 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

Without a doubt. One thousand times over!

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? about $100/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would definitely suggest that you take out a lot of money at once (and then immediately put it in a safe place, of course!) and then just really keep track of how much you are spending and on what. If there's one thing I really think I should have done differently it would be budgeting.

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? 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? An upper division spanish course for spanish majors
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? I would take advantage of speaking with your host family! Don't just limit your time with them to dinners and other meals. Also, definitely take advantage of getting involved in the activities IES provides for you to meet with and interact with local students. Speaking with other students our age is most definitely the best way to learn the language.

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?
  • The other Americans I became best friends with
  • The IES Staff
  • My host mom
* What could be improved?
  • The course options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew more about where I wanted to travel specifically. I know everything changes once you are actually in the country, but if I had planned my trips a little bit better before going I think it would have been less stressful, and I think I would have done more of the things I wanted to do.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.