To the Limit! Past Review
By A student (PSYCHOLOGY., Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/24/2013 to 07/05/2013 with
IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program
Although I still have one month left, I learned that I could adapt to a different lifestyle in a hustling and bustling in a culture worlds away from Brandeis University, and that I could push myself to meet new interesting people (both Argentine and international) and try new experiences whether it was painting a rural school in a poor province or singing karaoke to the Beatles where I was the only American. The experience was worthwhile asI feel I matured as much i would in two years at Brandeis. In addition to that, I have a wide understanding of Argentinian Culture, and a more complete command of the spanish language.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My program was unique in that it allowed us to directly enroll as if we were Argentinians in four different well respected schools throughout Buenos Aires. At the same time, we were provided with academic advisors that work for IFSA-Butler to help us select classes that are the right difficulty level for an exchange student. I had to meet with my advisor before choosing classes, and once again midway through to assess my progress. The classes that I am taking are not that difficult, meaning we don't discuss a lot of theory. At the same time, with respect to assesments, but they are less eager to give out A's. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program director is absolutley wonderful. He is thoughtful, compassionate. He wants us to have a good time, and for us to have a rewarding cultural experience. He took us to Colonia for the weekend, and while there, we visited his estate...there was an argentinian barbecue that just screamed to us "welcome." Also, he invited every student to his house in early May two months before the program ends to evaluate the program up to that point. Besides Mario the other staff in the IFSA office are nice and welcoming and most give me the sense that they care about me. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I found housing to be comfortable. I am in a great location in the center of BUenos Aires minutes away from everything. My host mother was very independent and didn't do many things with me...but she did fulfill her obligations to the program. |
| * Food: |
THe food in my house was pretty tastless though healthy. Food in the city is good, but I'd say the quality of restaurants are better in major cities in the states. Don't miss the parillas barbecue joints serving plates of juicy grass fed steak. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
With other argentinian high school and college students, I am doing community service by working on an urban farm located on the campus of University of Buenos Aires. Additionally, I work with a community service group that distriubutes food to the homeless, which is composed mainly of argentinians. With that same group of Argentinians, I took a trip to a more rural province to paint a school. It was a great bonding experience! Finally, I integrated myself somewhat in the jewish community. I attended services twice, was invited to share a wonderful shabbat dinner with a family, and went to an international mixer hosted by a local synagogue. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to get my wisdom tooth pulled while in Argentina and wrote to my program director for reccomendations for a dentist. The next day in the office he pulled me aside, called his dentist, and got me an appointment with a dentist that was practically booked. The programs travel Insurance covered the costs |
| * Safety: |
I would say expect that you will most likely get pick pocketed; that way you won't be so flustered when you are. But, be aware of your surroundings when you walk in the city, and keep your hands in your pockets and backpant on your stomach while in the subway. Also, avoid the areas the program tells you to avoid and you'll be fine :) |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 started using the official exchange rate at the bank which is 5 pesos to the dollar. I later found that the blue dollar was 10 to 1. I started to use a money wire system that became very popular with americans in the city. It gave me 8 to 1. Now that I am using that, food and expenses are relativly cheap compared to the states |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 dollars |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 6 years of University spanish |
| 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? | Read in the language! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I spoke with several people who did the same program, so I came in with reasonable expectations. However, in retrospect, I wish I knew that so many other students on my program are not interested in speaking Spanish or practicing with each other. I came to Argentina expecting to find other self motivated students, but several just want to party and speak english all of the time. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Social Solidarity Movements in South America |
| Course Department: | Universidad Catolica Argentina |
| Instructor: | Oscar |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | THis course was not that challenging, but I would reccomend it because the professor takes students on field trips to see how certain non government community service function to fight common problems. For example, we visited a Foster home in the suburbs. Additionally, the professor took us to explore a Villa and discuss life within with certain residents. (A Villa is is a shantytown people don't usually want to enter or can not enter without knowing someone. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
