Loved Study Abroad in Argentina Past Review

By (Elementary Education, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for

ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Best decision I ever made. I absolutely loved my time in Argentina. It was really the trip of a lifetime. I made amazing friends, really immersed myself in the culture, and learned more about life than I ever thought I would. I fell in love with Buenos Aires and I cannot wait to go back.

Review Photos

International Studies Abroad (ISA): Buenos Aires - Latin American Studies Photo

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Universidad del Salvador
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.

The grading system is from 1-10, but a 4 is the equivalent of 70%. The classrooms aren't very technologically advanced, most of the teachers just lecture or occasionally use chalkboards.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

At times it seemed a bit unorganized, but the on-site staff are all really really wonderful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Apartment with a Señora (not really a family), Barrio Almagro, Avenida Corrientes between Mario Bravo and Bilinghurst <br /><br /> My housing situation didn't aid my Spanish acquisition much because my host mom and I didn't see each other much or ever eat together. We talked occasionally, but not very often. However she was very welcoming and friendly.

* Food:

Sometimes good, sometimes bad, mostly just ok.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved the excursions with my program. Also, Buenos Aires has lots of great museums. Most of my friends during my study abroad experience were Argentines, which helped me to learn a lot more about the culture and improve my Spanish a lot more.

* 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? About 300 pesos a week, which was about 75 dollars. Includes lunch, eating out occasionally, going out to bars, clubs, movies, cafes, etc..
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? BUDGET!!! You're going to spend a lot more than you think you will.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Lots of people expect to be fluent after half a year in a Spanish-speaking country, generally, this is an unreasonable expectation. However, my Spanish skills improved a lot. The intensive language month helped a lot, and I suggest getting involved in local groups or organizations (like churches, sports groups, etc.) to make more local friends. Ask the local friends you make to correct your grammar when they notice mistakes.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

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  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

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  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? ISA is really great. It has one of the best prices, offers lots of excursions and services on site, and amazing staff.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Seminario-Taller de Mitos y Leyendas

Course Department:
Instructor: Silvana Cataldo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This class was great. Twice a week, the beginning is a little boring, but then it gets a lot better once the material gets to more modern things. I really liked that we took a lot of little field trips during the class to museums and things. The teachers were really great. A Spanish for foreigners class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Historia Argentina

Course Department: Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Carrera de ciencias políticas, 3471
Instructor: Prof. Nuñez
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Course with Argentines, pretty interesting. The course was supposed to meet from 8:30 to 11:45am but only really met from 9:00 to 10:30. Only a midterm and a final.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Normativa del Español

Course Department: Facultad de Lenguas Modernas, 8554
Instructor: Leonardo Graná
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Really good. All really particular grammar rules, Course with Argentines.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Estructura Social de la Argentina

Course Department: Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Carrera Sociología, 2789
Instructor: Margarita Llambías
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Really great instructor and format, homework assignments every week, lots of class discussion. However it is a senior level sociology class. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who hasn't had at least an introductory to sociology. Course with Argentines
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Etnología Americana y Argentina

Course Department: Facultad de Geología, Historia y Turismo, Carrera de turismo, 5265
Instructor: Claudia Forgione
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Course with Argentines, about the indígenous groups of Argentina and their cultures, two outside assignments and a final.
Credit Transfer Issues: