If I could study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina every semester I would! Past Review

By (Accounting & Spanish, The College of New Jersey) for

ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Worthwhile is a bit of an understatement here. My study abroad experience exceeded my expectations tenfold and it was by FAR the coolest experience of my life. I wish I could do it all over again! I have so many memorable experiences, and I've made really great friends in Argentina and all over the United States!

Review Photos

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

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.

Argentina and Universidad de Belgrano were fantastic and I have no complaints! The workload was absolutely perfect in the sense that I learned a ton of information and became very fluent in Spanish without doing much homework outside of the classroom. The learning environment at UB was excellent and all of the professors there were wonderful teachers in the classroom, and also offered their own advice for things to do and see in Argentina. I thoroughly enjoyed taking classes at UB and it was a much needed stress-reliever semester away from the academic demands of TCNJ.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

As mentioned above, the ISA staff in BsAs is absolutely wonderful. They are all wonderful people and are always there to help (no matter the situation)!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived with my host mom and another ISA student (from CA). I love them both! My host mom made me feel at home since day 1, and she helped me experience so many wonderful things in Argentina. She often invited me and my roommate to places, and always offered her opinions and expertise about South America. She is the best cook I've ever met and always made sure that dinner was on the table! Everything was well kept, and it really felt like my home away from home living with her.

* Food:

My host mom cooks better than anyone I've ever met! I was very lucky!!! Try the ice cream in BA- it is to die for!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Haha- I traveled all over the place!! There are too many to mention so I will give you my blog to check out, it's pretty cool! --> www.kathygoesglobal.blogspot.com ISA did a really nice job planning out the excursions! Our trip to Iguazu Falls was unforgettable! :)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I didn't have any safety issues while I was in South America, but I do know people who did. If you use common sense and try to speak Spanish as often as you can, you shouldn't run into very many problems. Just be careful and always be aware of your surroundings.

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
Language acquisition improvement?

ISA helped me a TON with speaking Spanish. They are all very patient and very knowledgeable in both Spanish and English. My host mom also played a big role here (she is the greatest!!), as we spoke only Spanish at home.

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you are looking to become fluent in Spanish this is your program. If you love to travel, you will love South America times 10. Take advantage of your time down there because there is so many things to see! Argentines are wonderful people and the country is absolutely beautiful!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Latin American Cinema

Course Department: UB
Instructor: Melania Stucchi
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This was my favorite class. You watch a lot of popular Argentine and Spanish films (in Spanish of course) during this class. Don't worry there are subtitles in Spanish, but by the end of the class you shouldn't need to read the subtitles! This class did wonders for my Spanish and it was super cool watching movies that are popular in South America. Melania is an awesome professor (I also took her class during my intensive month in June 2010), and I really learned a lot from her!
Credit Transfer Issues: I received credit for Spanish film at TCNJ (SPA 348).
Course Name/Rating:

Tango

Course Department: UB
Instructor: Jose Palliacoy
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: This class is awesome!!! Not only do you learn about all of the history of the tango in Argentina, but you also take dance lessons and learn the tango once a week. By the end of the class you are a pro! Jose is a really cool guy, and he always invites everyone to his shows at Cafe Tortoni. I went to one and he pulled me up on stage in front of everyone to dance with him! I really enjoyed this class!!!
Credit Transfer Issues: I got 300 elective level credit for Spanish.
Course Name/Rating:

Latin American History

Course Department: Universidad de Belgrano
Instructor: Hugo Pomposo
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Very interesting. Hugo is a cool guy too!
Credit Transfer Issues: No, I received full credit for SPA 304 at TCNJ.
Course Name/Rating:

Latin American Literature

Course Department: UB
Instructor: Lara Mirkin
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Class wasn't my favorite, but Lara was a good professor.
Credit Transfer Issues: I received full credit for SPA 312 at TCNJ.