Summer in Buenos Aires Past Review

By (Chemistry., Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/30/2014 to 07/12/2014 with

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Advanced Language and Culture in Buenos Aires

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to improve my Spanish speaking abilities and confidence in speaking the language

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Spanish language class was not taken seriously by the other students and the assignments were graded fairly easily.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

A lot of staff was available but only a few were introduced to us at the beginning of the program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

For the most part Argentinians were very welcoming

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Many students had problems with pickpockets and thieves, but there were no serious threats

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

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? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ask hosts

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? 105
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? As much as you can!

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
  • International Students
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?
  • Other students
  • Professors
  • the city
* What could be improved?
  • Academic rigor (increased)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Best ways of getting money (xoom.com), best cellphone companies (movistar).

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:

Advanced Spanish and Argentine Culture

Course Department: Facultad de FilosofĂ­a y Letra
Instructor: Daniel Piero
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Course was not taken seriously by the students and assignments were graded easily without a known scale.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not yet received my grades from IFSA-Butler
Course Name/Rating:

Argentine History

Course Department: Facultad de Filosofia y Letra
Instructor: Cecilia Belej
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Professor was very knowledgeable and cared about the students.
Credit Transfer Issues: Have not received grades from IFSA-Butler