A memorable trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina Past Review
By Levi B (Forensic Science/ Spanish, University of Nebraska- Lincoln) for
ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina
In addition to my language skills acquired abroad I also gained more respect for cultures that differ from our own. It was very refreshing to find out that there are other ways of living and that people can do it without a problem.
Personal Information
| 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. |
The grading system used in Buenos Aires was much easier than the system we use in the US. The classes were very in depth and allowed for all students to participate and really get a handle on the language. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program coordinators were always helpful and they had events planned for all of us for the duration of the program, however, they were as organized as I would have hoped for. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
All of the housing arrangements were set up by the program coordinators and it worked out just fine. I ended up being relatively close to the University so I was able to walk to school. My host family provided everything that I needed except for toiletries and it was a good cultural immersion. |
| * Food: |
The food there was very rich, the only thing I missed was spicy food because it pretty much doesn't exist in Buenos Aires. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trip to Iguazu was one of the most memorable trips of my life. It was so impressive and amazing and I will never forget it. Although I did enjoy the other excursions and such especially to the Ferias in Argentina. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The only worry I had while I was in Buenos Aires was that I would get robbed. There were quite a few people that I met in the program that ended up being robbed and some even multiple times. Other than that I felt relatively safe and you should as long as you are smart about everything. |
| 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 |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish with my host family and with my professor in Buenos Aires and I got a good dose of speaking which helped me to improve my social skills in the language. Not as many people here could speak English as I thought there would be so I was forced to use more Spanish in everyday activities so that really helped me progress. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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? | Someone who is willing and able to change the way they do things and immerse themselves into a new culture should definitely try this program. |
