Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University of Buenos Aires is a very unique, intense, and academically challenging environment that exposed me to a completely foreign education system.

On-site administration of your program

Through Butler, Americans are guaranteed a tutor from the University of Buenos Aires. There were two teaching assistants in my class and I met with them once a week to go over material. They became two of my good friends and were incredibly helpful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host family, but all families are different. I'd say most people were happy, though.

I was there for a year, so I got a little tired of the food, but you can find almost any kind of food in Buenos Aires (although the quality varies), so it's not really an issue. Vegetarians and vegans may have more of a problem. It's hard to appreciate Argentine culture without sharing their passion for red meat :)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Butler gave us a lot of freedom, but also gave us tons of opportunities to volunteer, go on excursions, and explore Buenos Aires through the program. I liked that you didn't have to do that stuff if you wanted to be on your own. It was the best of both worlds, because some people had more of a group mentality, and they could find that through Butler, and other people, like me, wanted to do my own thing. I fell in love with Buenos Aires, like most people, so it wasn't hard for me to immerse myself in the culture and society. Argentina is unique because Buenos Aires is a European city, but Argentina is absolutely a third world country. There is a huge variation in ethnic background and history that has created an interesting social dynamic you will not get anywhere else. If you pay attention, you will witness corruption, violence, and the remains of a very devastating dictatorship -- all things that leave you with a very different perspective on the world and your place in it! The one thing I would emphasize is do NOT hang out with Americans all of the time. If you want, you can speak English the entire time hanging out with Americans in Palermo. If you do that, your Spanish will not get better and you won't get the full experience of studying abroad. It's easy to make friends there if you make an effort. People there love to see an American who cares about actually leaving their comfort zone. They jump at the chance to convert you to a Boca or River fan, taking you to soccer games, inviting you to their asados (barbecues) -- showing you things they're proud of from Argentina. You just have to make the effort and not hang around in groups of 10 Americans everywhere you go.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Buenos Aires is not a safe city, but if you are smart, you will significantly reduce the chances of being a victim of crime. As the semester goes on you will get used to being aware of your surroundings at all times. Never wear a backpack on your back -- it gives easy access to thiefs. NEVER take your wallet out of your purse in public -- especially not cash. If you have a nice phone, try not to use it on the street. Even if you don't have a nice phone, don't use it on the street. Never, never, never let people see a laptop computer. Only use it in public if you are in a closed off space where someone couldn't run away with it easily. Only use RadioTaxis. You will see "Radio Taxi" written on the side of many cabs -- those that don't are less safe because they are drivers without an affiliation to a company that monitors them via radio. That means they could be anyone. Be careful of fake money -- it's very common. You'll learn how to tell the difference by texture and color. Taxi drivers will often try and take you the long route -- get to know the city so you can protect yourself from being overcharged. Most of these problems are mitigated if you speak Spanish well. People will respect you more and may think you are harder to take advantage of.

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

I learned a completely new set of vocabulary relating to the Middle East, government, politics, and culture.