Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great experience of another culture and Spanish speaking Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/27/2016 to 07/09/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A sense of independence, a grasp of a different culture and different dialect of Spanish than I had known previously, and new knowledge about Argentina, its history, and its culture.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful and available, and provided, for the most part, the information we needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would have liked more programming with local students, rather than just American students on the program

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience with healthcare

* Safety:

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

I learned a lot and had the perfect amount of independence.

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? Between $100 and $150

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Brandeis Spanish 106; advanced
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? Speak Spanish during leisure time, not just in class when you have to.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Weekends exploring the city
  • Speaking Spanish
  • Traveling (eg. Colonia, last week up North in Jujuy and Salta)
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked the fact that we had the last week free to be more clear
  • More interactive history class
  • More interactions with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It really benefits to be always speaking Spanish even when you don't have to

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!