Life in Argentina is Still Life Past Review
By Jessalyn B (Anthropology (Honors); minor in History, University of Rochester) for
IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture
Yes. Mostly I gained independence and a confidence in being solitary. If anything, my eyes have opened to how lucky and yet limited I am to be born American.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I wish I had the choice of using my credits towards my GPA. I did well in all of my classes and would have liked them to count. The language instruction was really good in my case but there was too much confusion about what level to place students in. The workload was fair but should have been scheduled to allow for more travel and less class time. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Individual staff and faculty were always very helpful and supportive. They were knowledgeable about their country and about the experience we were having. The officers at the higher levels were harder to communicate with and seemed somewhat disconnected from the student experiences, whereas the professors and guidance staff knew what was going on. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I did not have to buy any items. My host cooked for me and provided me with linens. I did my own laundry and cleaned my own room, although she offered to clean it for me. My neighborhood was relatively safe, but as in any big city there are risks in any area. My host mother was great but when her emotional/personal family issues were problematic I was forced to be involved in ways with which I did not feel comfortable. When I turned to IES for help they only complicated the matter. My home was about a 15 minute bus ride or a 30 minute walk from class, and close to various kinds of nightlife. Buses were my main mode of transportation besides walking and taxis. |
| * Food: |
It took me awhile to find healthier food options than what most restaurants offered, but my host consistently provided good cooking. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Traveling through Patagonia and hiking for two weeks was the best part of my trip. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Negotiating doctor care was difficult. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I took out 200-400 pesos per week , which was about $100-150 per week. It was easy to spend very little on food if necessary, but a few dollars are necessary for transportation no matter what. Things like clothes were only slightly cheaper than American clothes, and sometimes much more expensive. The exchange rate is good but only translate to inexpensive purchases in some areas (like wine). Round-trips for traveling to other cities usually cost $80-$175 depending on the location. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bring extra money for activities like snow sports or concerts. Try out multiple eateries because most places have the same menu but prices vary. Laundry is about $8.00 for 2-3 loads. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I had to speak Spanish with everyone except other students and my English-speaking professors. Most people did not speak English and it was outside of the classroom (and in the homestay in particular) that I acquired the most skill. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Expect the worst and hope for the best. |
