Buenos Aires: The city that never sleeps Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My professors were very nice and helpful, but the language class I took lacked organization. Also, there were too many students in the history class i took, and the professor did not promote class discussion or critical thinking. In both of the classes, the professors talked too fast, and used complex grammar and vocabulary (in the foreign language) that was above my skill level. Finally, I still have no idea what my final grades are, because the professors could not give me an estimate near the end. The work load was manageable, but the last week of classes was downright painful because of all the large papers and projects due.

On-site administration of your program

Although the academic part of my program was disappointing, the staff and administration were very helpful and friendly. I called a few times with questions, and they helped work everything out. There was always someone to call if you needed anything. The program size was good, but the class size was too large. The administration had a lot of knowledge about my host country. Also, the head director was super nice, and explained things in Spanish very clearly!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The neighborhood I lived in was relatively safe at night, and only a ten minute walk to school! My house was conveniently located right next to a subway station and main bus hub. A drawback was that it was fairly far away from the nightlife. I did not need to buy any items to move in; my host mom gave me a bar of soap for the shower. I was treated kindly by my host family.

The quantity was always fine, but the quality and variety of food could have been better. There needed to be more vegetables in dinner, and less carbs.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All the social outings were great! I loved going out to Tango dance, salsa dance, the modern ballet, day trips, football game, and more!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My overall safety in Buenos Aires was generally okay, but I always was highly aware of my surroundings. Going out at night to meet friends at a bar or somewhere was often sketchy because I took the bus and walked usually. I carried pepper spray and a map of the city with me whenever I went out at night. Also, it is a good idea to stash a bit of cash somewhere other than your purse or pockets. One time my money was stolen at a club, and I only got home from the money i had stashed in my shoe previously. An older man (appeared mentally insane) tried to maybe attack me a block away from my house, but I ran away. As a woman, you always have to be more careful, and there were always men yelling at me in the streets and blowing kisses as I walked by. I did not interact with the healthcare system. I did develop a tinge of asthma because of all the tobacco smoke and smog in the city. I got sick a few times, but had brought prescription medications from the US.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I spoke Spanish in everyday interactions with natives from Buenos Aires. My top recommendation to students travelling with a study abroad program that puts you in classes with only other study abroad students (or only Americans), is to not hang out with the other students much, but to meet more people from the city you are living in, and make friends! Most students in the program spoke English to each other, which is not helpful for learning the language if you have a bubble of friends who only speak English.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans