Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Querida Argentina Past Review

By (Economics/ IGS/ EAS, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/24/2013 to 07/05/2013 with

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Program, as well as Argentina offers you many opportunities. However, it is entirely up to you to make the most of it.

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.

very different from the US system. However, the possibility of choosing one's classes at multiple academic institutions helps one find a right fit.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great, great staff. Very friendly, young, lively. There if you need them, but don't bother if you prefer an independent experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

More than satisfied with the housing situation. I got to live with an amazing widow who went out of her way to help me with anything that I needed. Most of the students in the program really liked their host families.

* Food:

Tough, if you are pescatarian.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated. Host families indeed helped the integration process.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a few experiences with the healthcare system in Buenos Aires. Overall, I was very satisfied, as it was accessible, of good quality and pretty cheap. The program staff was exceptionally responsive to all my needs. The only thing that is different from the US healthcare system is that CISI insurance that the program requires does not directly cover the medical bills, but rather reimburses you at the later stage (a few weeks after the program ends)

* Safety:

There are quite a few dangerous neighborhoods/parts of the city. However, the program has a very and useful detailed safety briefing during the orientation week.

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)

Depends how you choose to live. If you plan to travel around, you need a larger budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 300/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan to travel, book the deals in packages (ticket +hotel, etc)

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try not to speak English with other US students

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
  • International 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?
  • Host family
  • Staff
  • Activities
* What could be improved?
  • Class registration process
  • Class shopping
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Visa requirements for the neighboring countries. *many international students need visas for other South American countries.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!