Buenos Aires: I can hardly wait to return Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

By the end, I felt that I had actually gotten quite a lot out of my courses. They weren't all great, and teaching style or class organization was not always to my liking. But the material was relavant and interesting for someone interested in Latin American studies. There were offerings and material about Latin America broadly, and also a lot about Argentina specifically. History, politics, literature, cultural studies. A decent (albeit small) offering of most things available in Spanish or English. The Spanish professors are fantastic.

On-site administration of your program

The occassional lack of organization, but otherwise the people at the on-site office were very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I did not use them as a resource very much, but when I did they were courteous and did what they could to help. They were VERY helpful with getting the student-resident visa, and they provided an extra university orientation to clarify confusion and important details. Though I personally did not take advantage of the opportunity, Spanish tutoring was is offered as well.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a wonderful host family. I know not everyone was so fortunate, but they were really great, took care of me, treated me as an adult member of the family. I had my own small bedroom and bathroom, was free to come and go as I pleased, was supplied some food for breakfast, and ate dinners with them (unless I told them in advance that I was going to eat out). I lived in the Belgrano neighborhood, about a 12 minute walk from the University of Belgrano. Most students had to bus or use the subway to get to class, but I did not. The neighborhood is upper-middle class, and relatively safe, though you quickly adjust to being cautious even in the nicer neighborhoods, especially at night. It was a great home-stay.

I ate some really good beef, and had some really good meals, but overall the food was not the highlight of my experience. Argentines don't do spice, and food typically isn't particularly flavorful or distinct. But, good enough, and I ate well.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's a program, and there are a lot of American students. This is nice in that there are lots of different people to meet and spend time with. But, on the other hand, it made it a little harder to feel much in the way of a community outside of the home. sometimes it probably made it harder to meet locals, too. I felt a bit disconnected from the social life of my program, but mostly by choice. In fact, once I made a concious decision to do more things on my own, I started having an even better live and study abroad experience.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I've already commented above quite a bit about the safety and security issues. I know a number of students who were robbed or pick-pocketed (it's not unusual), but I personally never had a problem. There were a few times when I pined to be in a place where you didn't have to think about security when you stepped onto the street. But you get used it, and get good at the caution, too, in such away that it does not affect your ability have a good time and be as comfortable as you would be in your hometown -- just as the people do who live there year-round. Regarding student health, we were told what to do if we needed to see a doctor, etc., provided a form to bring along for insurance.

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

I lived with a host family, and they were wonderful. I spoke and heard Spanish every day anyway, but I had so many more opportunities for conversation by living with them. Also, just going out and doing things and being open and friendly and curious about other people or things can facilitate some nice practice opportunities that would otherwise not happen as frequently. I recommend avoiding larger group situations; it's easier to meet people or just have a short conversation if you're by yourself or just with a couple friends.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans