Incredible Experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina! Past Review
By Simon W (Computer Science, University of Utah) for
ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina
I appreciated having a window into how this culture lived and operated. I made some lifelong friends, and saw some incredible wonders of the world. I learned Spanish, which is something I can use in my interaction and further exploration of the world.
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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? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was in class for three hours every morning, and then had the afternoon's free. Classes changed once a month -- you were re-evaluated and placed with students at your same language level. Most people moved up one level each month. I think there were 6 levels. The teachers I had were all incredible. In addition to being great language teachers, several of them became close friends and helped to show me the culture and customs of Argentina outside of the classroom. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was a great office there, located close to the school, and the trips they led were great. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was great. They lived in a house, which is someone unusual for the area, and it was a short bus ride from the school. I lived with two other exchange students, but we each had separate rooms. When doing personal travel, I stayed in hostels. I had great experiences in all cases. |
| * Food: |
The food was great! Lots of beef, from the local countryside, and empenadas are amazing! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took some great and memorable trips -- Iguazu Falls is absolutely breath taking. I also went south to visit the glacier and see penguins. There was also plenty to do in the city -- concerts, tango lessons, drinking mate in parks, etc., etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I'm not sure about health risks. Safety overall was good. It's a big city, so you always have to be careful when you're out late, or in a riskier part of town like Boca, but these things are clearly explained by the staff there. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced with teachers, fellow students, my host parents, and in my daily interactions in the city. I used Spanish every day in the city. Most people spoke a little English, and some wanted to practice with you, but most were gracious in speaking Spanish with me. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This is a wonderful program. The city is incredible and the surrounding country is wonderful to explore, and my Spanish improved tremendously while I was there. I'd highly recommend the program to anyone interested in a combination of intensive language study with lots of cultural exploration. |
