Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Mixed Bag But Worth It Past Review

By (Hamilton College) - abroad from 02/26/2017 to 07/09/2017 with

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a new kind of independence and a lot about myself and how I interact with people. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

The classes weren't particularly rigorous but the required Spanish class was the most useful Spanish class I've ever taken.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff are very supportive, engaged, and interested in your personal well-being and they are very approachable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing situation was not ideal, though IFSA did give me the option to switch.

* Food:

My host mom did not usually cook fresh meals for me, and the food was not healthy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Though I didn't get a lot of interaction with my host family, I was interacting with other Argentines regularly and felt very integrated into society.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally didn't have any health care issues, but it seemed like others' issues were handled well and resources were available.

* Safety:

I felt safe walking around alone during the day time, though at night things could feel a little iffy as a young white female. Pick-pocketing was the biggest issue I encountered.

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? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring cash and change it when you get there, or set up a special bank account with reduced fees.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 200 level
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Structure
  • Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-departure materials
  • Housing staff
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about the orientation details

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!