Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Exploring Buenos Aires December 16, 2023

By (Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 07/30/2023 to 12/02/2023 with

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of traveling experience past Buenos Aires from trips planned by the program and personal trips because it was really simple to travel around Argentina. I also learned a lot more Spanish being immersed in Buenos Aires, continuously reading and speaking Spanish.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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? $40-50

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? 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? I recommend fully immersing yourself into activities that include the language. Take classes taught in the language, join a club, try to meet local people. It is very helpful and helps improve your skills quickly.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • 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?
  • The people in my program
  • The trips that were planned
  • Everyone in the program was easy to reach
* What could be improved?
  • Homestay situations
  • Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the political climate and issues that the country was dealing with before I arrived. My program was during an election and I always felt safe but it would've been nice to understand the political dealings and how this could impact my stay before arriving and finding out there.

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!