Mi querido Buenos Aires: My Beloved Buenos Aires Past Review

By Kiri C (Global Studies/ Spanish, Arizona State University) for

ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Studying in Argentina has confirmed that I have a passion for foreign culture. I've started my TESOL certification and absolutely plan to continue traveling/working/living abroad in both Argentina and other countries in the future.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	Universidad de Belgrano
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.	Courses for foreign students at UBelgrano were coordinated well with student priorities while spending a semester abroad. That said, academics weren't too rigorous and allowed us plenty of time to explore the city or make outisde travel plans. I feel like I was able to work on my language while still giving myself enough time to truly experience life in a foreign country. *Do note, however that courses with actual Argentine students (I was required to take one for my program) are more difficult.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The ISA team in Buenos Aires is absolutely WONDERFUL. They provide help from VISA paperwork to advice when planning international trips on our own and simple everyday questions. I was most greatful for ISA's 24/7 hours when I got sick and when the resident director saved our butts by helping us through a sticky situation/language barrier with a Bolivian airline when we woke him up at 6am! Thanks to the amazing team for making my study abroad experience so wonderful!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I truly lucked out in terms of living arangements in Argentina. My host family was accomodating, friendly and truly pleased to have foreign students living in their household. My host brother was college aged, studying in another Argentine university and was a great first connection to real life in Buenos Aires. I wouldn't trade them for the world. As far as logistics are concerned, we lived within a short bus ride from the university and the ISA office. I had my own room. Shared a bathroom. And felt extremely safe in a quieter barrio of the city.
* Food:	Argentine wine, empanadas, pizza, steak... and jamon y queso EVERYTHING. The only issue I took with food in Buenos Aires was the sheer lack of Mexican food. There's a decent place in the Palermo area called Xalapa... must-visit when you're missing margaritas and spice!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I was lucky enough to travel a lot on my own, but there were also some phenomenal trips via ISA. The best was certainly the trip to Iguazu Falls (a once-in-a-lifetime BEAUTIFUL park). We also ventured to Rosario, the countryside, El Tigre river town, etc.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I never had any problems with safety when I was in Buenos Aires. ISA provides extensive information about how to be safe upon arrival, but more than anything it's a seminar in how to watch out for pick pocketers and fake $100 peso bills! I didn't get sick often, but hospitals (these are just Argentine clinics) are avaialble and FREE if you need them.
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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	Living in Argentina provided me with ample opportunities to practice Spanish. I lived with a host family that was absolutely willing to work me through the things I didn't know and provide help when I needed it. Everyday interactions, public transportation, university... LOTS of Spanish! I also really appreciated ISA's Spanish tutoring resources when I had doubts about my language class.