Past Review
By Ashley A (PSYCHOLOGY., Berry College) for
ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina
My study abroad experience was absolutely worthwhile. I gained so much from the trip; language skills, confidence, friends, great memories, and a great love of Buenos Aires Argentine culture, and Argentine people in general.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Belgrano |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
| The term and year this program took place: | Summer 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We had two professors, and they both had different approaches to the material, but I feel like that was an asset: we had a well-rounded Spanish education. I had a lot of fun in class, but still felt like I refined my skills. When I was first given class placement, I felt like I was placed in the wrong level, but after answering a few questions, they let me move classes. Everyone was very helpful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The ISA staff are very helpful and well-organized. The biggest strengths were their orientation classes at the beginning and the availability of the home office (where we could ask for help/advice and use the internet). Also, everyone was very laid-back and friendly (easy to approach). No obvious weaknesses. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I absolutely loved living with my host-mom. She really helped me feel comfortable in Buenos Aires and had patience with me as we interacted (she spoke no English). Every night we would have long conversations (my choice) and I learned so much from her. She also had a motto of "be free" and gave me plenty of time to get to know the city away from home. I miss her! |
| * Food: |
My host-Mom was a fantastic cook and all food outside of the house was also very good and inexpensive. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I fell in love with the city and really felt comfortable and at-home there. I didn't meet as many natives as I had hoped, but I did make some Argentine friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We had a wonderful orientation at the beginning of the program that addressed health and safety. Though I was a bit nervous the first few days, I became very comfortable in the city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
The most important thing this program taught me was confidence. I also refined my skills. I don't have much advice on ways to improve skills, because I felt like I had a good balance between school learning and home/cultural language assistance. Most people spoke Spanish. Other than with other students, I used Spanish exclusively, especially with my host-mom (as she spoke no English). It was really helpful to be able to communicate almost exclusively in Spanish. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do it! I had a wonderful time, and most of the other students I met did as well. I was the only person from my University to take part in this program (that summer), but I quickly made friends and got to know the city. I gained a great deal of confidence and would absolutely choose this program again. |
