Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Buenos Aires with ISA: ¡una experiencia inolvidable! Past Review

By (Spanish Language Teacher Education, The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 07/21/2013 to 12/08/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and my ability to be on my own. I also learned a lot about others, and how to work with them in different situations. The experience was 110% worthwhile. If I could, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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 courses taught in Spanish weren't particularly difficult, but were an enriching experience, through exposure to both the language and culture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site staff were always friendly, helpful and overall positive to work with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I chose to do a home stay and could not have been happier. I absolutely adored my host mom. She did everything she could to make me feel happy, comfortable and welcome. She forced me to practice my Spanish and learn more about the culture. Although everyone did not have the same experience, when there was a problem the ISA staff were always ready to help and make them feel comfortable.

* Food:

Empandas, steak, and dulce de leche. AMAZING.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

While I was away, I went on a horseback riding trip and ended up getting hurt. However, ISA staff were very helpful in getting me the care I needed, making sure I felt comfortable, and coming with me to the appointments so that I was sure I fully understood everything that was going on.

* Safety:

I generally felt safe throughout the whole trip. ISA staff really helped to prepare us for what we would experience.

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)

The peso in Argentina was very low, so it made personal expenses and traveling very easy!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan the trips you want to make ahead of time so that you can budget this money early.

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

When in the office and with our host families we were always encouraged to speak the language.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 300 level
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends in the host country. With your friends in the program, make a plan to only speak the language so you're getting as much practice as possible. It feels weird at first, but it makes a huge difference!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • My host mom
  • The ISA Staff
  • Speaking the language
* What could be improved?
  • nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How hard it would be to leave!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.