Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Take a Chance on Buenos Aires Past Review

By (Psychology, Hispanic Studies, and Health: Science, Society, and Policy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/23/2019 to 07/02/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be comfortable with the unknown. I was on a different continent, speaking another language, and living with people I did not know beforehand. It is quite difficult when you do not fully understand the language yet, but that is why you have to go in the first place. By the end of my six weeks, I gained newfound confidence, a drive to continue learning the language, and to get out and travel more.

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.

Classes were definitely challenging, as they were all taught in Spanish. However, you are there to simply improve your language skills, wherever they may be. Also, there are outside resources to help you make the most of your academic experience and improve your Spanish.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IFSA staff on-site in Buenos Aires was incredible! Beyond helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mom was simply amazing. Great accommodations and great food. Plus, our conversations over dinner, in a foreign language, were great. Wouldn't have been the same experience without doing a homestay.

* Food:

No complaints!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Obviously I wasn't a native speaker, but speaking the language made it must easier to get accustomed to the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe. Always traveled in groups.

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

It was challenging, fun, and always kept me on my toes. Highly recommend doing a language program. Pushes you out of your comfort zone and really gives you the opportunity to grow and invest in your abroad experience in a meaningful way.

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)

5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Argentina was much cheaper than living in the US. Made it very easy.

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? HISP 106 at Brandeis
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? Use it as much as possible. So worth it.

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!
  • Getting to explore Buenos Aires.
  • Having the chance to practice my Spanish on a daily basis in more than one way (in class, at the super market, with my host mom, etc.).
* What could be improved?
  • More field trips during class time.
  • All classes in the morning so afternoons could be spent exploring.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not anything I can think of!

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!