Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

La Vida es Linda, pero hay caos a veces! Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Fordham University) - abroad from 02/25/2013 to 07/05/2013 with

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent in a foreign nation without my native language. I learned that patience is key, and also being adaptable b/c things often changed and plans had to be reevaluated. I learned that time flys by but it also goes slowly. Definitely worthwhile. I had many hard days, but I think those are the ones you learn more from anyway.

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

* 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:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 125 US
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of everything you buy, the little things add up.

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? beyond intermediate
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? live with a host family and take your classes in the language even if that is scary!

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

  • Local Students
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 a host family- unique
  • Excursions- lots of cultural activites
  • that they force you to take classes in spanish
* What could be improved?
  • orientation? the program was huge so it was hard to keep track of people
  • make the academic advisors more hands on
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That wifi might often be an issue in this country!

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.