Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Argentina Awesomeness! Past Review

By (Supply Chain Management, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/30/2012 to 07/13/2012 with

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program, Summer

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Language skill, knowledge of Argentina. YES!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

* Safety:

watch out for pick-pockets-they are very prevalent.

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)

I didn't end up having much time for shopping and my host mom cooked most of my meals, so I ended up spending most of my cash on eating out or entertainment.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try not to eat out when your host family is cooking. Be aware of locals trying to take advantage of tourists.

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? SPN 325L
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 as much as you can with host family.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Living with poteños
  • meeting/interacting with/going to school porteños
* What could be improved?
  • Would have liked to live in more "happening" area
  • Would have liked less intensive reading for lit class
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? No matter how prepared you think you are for pickpockets, you can never be too careful!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'