An unforgettable experience! Past Review
By A student (Business, Hispanic Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/25/2013 to 07/05/2013 with
IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program
It was all worthwhile because I was able to constantly practice my Spanish. I was not confident in my Spanish speaking skills going into the program but after four months, I believe my skills have significantly improved.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academic rigor/intensity depends on the type and amount of classes the students chooses to enroll in when in Buenos Aires. With the Argentina Universities Program, you can choose to take classes with American students, international students, or all Argentine students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare was easily accessible and most doctors that I saw were all bilingual. IFSA's staff accompanied me to several appointments to make sure I was able to communicate all my symptoms to the doctor/ |
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| 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 was comfortably able to use less than $100USD a week but the USD - ARG Peso exchange rate constantly fluctuated. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you want to save money, try to make your own lunches and snacks. |
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? | HISP160 |
| 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? | Interact with your host family! |
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 wish I knew that applying for Argentine residency would be a very lengthy process. I also wish I knew that US dollars are extremely valuable in Argentina. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
