Tango With a Stranger - Summer, Language and Argentine Studies Past Review

By (Rhodes College) - abroad from 06/25/2018 to 08/04/2018 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a better understanding of what it is like to be on my own as well as a deeper understanding of the Spanish language. Mostly I became proud that I can speak even the little bit of Spanish that I do have. It was definitely worthwhile!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo

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?

None of the participants had any healthcare problems but it seemed pretty accessible.

* Safety:

IES tried to make us as safe as possible, but it is a big city and you're only as safe as you make yourself.

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

I thought the time period, classes, and experiences were just right for what I was looking for!

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)

Food and transportation was fairly cheap in comparison to the United States. It is the souvenirs and clothes that put me over budget!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 2000 pesos, so about $50.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring the clothes you want, if you withdraw money from an ATM, withdraw enough for at least two weeks, and bring a couple of US dollars just in case

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

My Spanish class obviously encouraged it a lot, but I would've liked if the trips and stuff were mandatory Spanish as well.

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? Spanish 302
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? Practice a little bit every day! Don't be afraid to mess up and have patience with yourself.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Homestay
  • Field trips
  • Time in the City
* What could be improved?
  • Lecture Style
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I would have to take every opportunity to speak Spanish that I could. I also wish I knew it was going to be so rainy and I wouldn't want to wear my heeled boots ever.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Drugs and Violence in Latin America

Course Department: Latin American Studies
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was taught in a more lecture-style that was a little bit long-winded, but otherwise had fantastic field trips and discussion topics
Credit Transfer Issues: