Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Being in Argentina changed my life! Past Review

By (Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/19/2012 to 07/06/2012 with

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself. I learned what I liked and what I disliked, and that's valuable information for self development.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Buenos Aires
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

I was very integrated with the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got sick once, but I called a doctor and he came to my house. He was very sweet, and I was better in no time!

* Safety:

Buenos Aires is a dangerous city. Students should be extra cautious.

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)

Buenos Aires is expensive. I think prices are similar to that of NYC. I spent about 150 a week.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-150

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? 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? Spanish 105
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • My host mother!
  • My boyfriend
  • Spanglish (language exchange meet and greet)
* What could be improved?
  • The crime. I lived my life in fear my first few months.
  • The program's organization. It was very confusing and unorganized at times.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about Argentina as a whole and the other cities I could travel 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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.