YES, Study Abroad in Argentina! Past Review
By Rachel S (Sociology., Ithaca College) for
IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Society & Culture
It was definitely worthwhile. I am so glad I went. While I may not have really enjoyed the IES program, I don't regret going at all. It really made me notice how little we are taught about Latin America and other countries in general, especially the political and economic histories.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
At times it was too difficult and at others too easy. It was hard to find a balance. The program didn't allow for intermediate levels of Spanish, so it was either Beginners (all classes in English) or Advanced (all in Spanish). It would have been nice to take some in English and others in Spanish. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were really easy to talk to and helpful. Didn't want anyone to get into trouble or be at risk of academic failure. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in an apartment with a seventy year old woman and her ailing husband. The apartment was in Recoleta, close to the cemetery. It was a nice neighborhood to live in, but was strange living with grandparents. I would have rather lived with others from the program or a younger couple. <br /><br /> The neighborhood was relatively safe. Most apartment buildings have a guard at the front door to let you in/out and don't let strangers in. It was about 10 minute bus ride from school, 20-30 min walking. It was also extremely close to friends and nightlife. |
| * Food: |
The host parents are required to provide breakfast/dinner 5 days a week. I arranged to have my last dinner of the week on Sundays because it was easier to go out on Fridays. Breakfast was usually a croissant and tea, so I wouldn't normally eat. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I am so happy I went abroad. I traveled a ton in Argentina but wish I would have gone to Chile/Brazil. It was just so much fun and so different than what most people experience abroad. I loved it. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health issues were resolved immediately. If anyone was sick (ala H1N1) everyone knew about it and were given the correct precautions. However, dealing with the public hospitals was a bit more troubling. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Travellllllll. You are going to want to travel EVERYWHERE. Unfortunately, to go to Chile or Brazil, there are extra fees. For Chile, there is an airport tax of over $120. It is a one time fee, but can end up costing more than the ticket. To go to Brazil, you need to get a visa, which is 600 pesos (about $150+) and the tickets were usually like $300. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was surprised at how easy it was to be in "Spanish-mode". I definitely had a lot to learn, which is why I was grateful for a 4 credit Spanish class, but I also learned a lot just through talking to people. Unfortunately, most of my classes were at the IES center, so I didn't use Spanish all the time. Many of my friends were American, so when we weren't in class, we spoke English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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? | Try to do as much as possible. Buenos Aires is a fantastic city, explore it well. The rest of the country is beautiful as well, go everywhere that you can, from top to bottom. |
