A summer abroad with Mente Argentina Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

As I only did a one month intensive spanish course I cannot say the academic rigor was high as I was not held accountable for what I learned throughout the program. However, the classes were very helpful in gaining an introductory knowledge and grammatical base to the Spanish language.

On-site administration of your program

I participated in Mente Argentina’s intensive Spanish and internship program over the Latin summer of 2014. I was pleasantly surprised at the services Mente provided me with, the attentiveness of my program coordinators and the activities offered throughout my time in Buenos Aires. Upon arrival, I was picked up from the airport and taken directly to my apartment in Palermo Soho, one of the best neighborhoods in the city. I was met at the door by my program coordinator who supplied me with all the necessary information to get settled as well as a mobile phone and a schedule for the coming week. Throughout my stay, Mente offered several activities from city tours, trips to the campo and river delta, theater tickets, monthly happy hours, and other group outings that helped me to meet people. On top of the activities included in the program’s cost, the staff at Mente was there to assist with any and all additional needs during my stay. For example, when my parents came to visit they helped to organize a ride from the airport. When I wanted to go to Patagonia, see a futbol match and a tango show, they supplied me with all the details and contact information. Furthermore, the Mente blog kept me constantly updated on happenings in the city from concerts, festivals to new restaurants and bars to explore. As an avid world traveler and someone who has lived abroad before my time in Buenos Aires, I can assure you that it can be difficult to navigate the complexities of living, working and or studying abroad. It was worth the money to have Mente handle all the details for me and help direct my time here in a more efficient way. I was immediately comfortable in my apartment, had assistance with any problems that arose and was supplied with an array of activities and opportunities to meet people in the city. That said, I would highly recommend Mente Argentina to future participants!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment was fully furnished, centrally located and in one of the best neighborhoods for nightlife and any problems that arose during my stay, Mente handled via the landlord.

My shared apartment did not include food. I would not have wanted it to anyway as the food is amazing in this city. Eat out, all day everyday and don't be afraid to gain weight---because you will!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This depends on whether you are in a home stay or a shared apartment. As I was in a shared apartment, I really had to make an effort to integrate with the Argentine culture and not just hang out with my English speaking friends from the program. That said, Mente offers many cultural outings and language immersion events to get you out with the Argentines and speaking spanish!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not get sick while I was abroad, but healthcare is practically free in this country and Mente coordinators will accompany you to any and all doctor/hospital visits.

Mente only places its participants in the nicest, safest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. As long as you are smart, security should not be an issue in the city.

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

Bring US dollars or Euros and Argentina is cheap as you can trade your cash for a higher rate once in the city. I spent 100 a week maximum

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• Apartment

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• International Students

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• International Students

• spanish
• my neighborhood/apartment
• activities

• more free food
• more free drinks
• more variety in activities

The Outright Urbanite