Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great way to experience Buenos Aires Past Review

By (Texas State University-San Marcos) - abroad from 05/18/2014 to 07/27/2014 with

Mente Argentina: Buenos Aires - Study Abroad and Internship Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Spanish improved immensely and I got to expand my worldview.

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.

The staff put me in touch with an internship program that allowed me to get on-the-job training and really helped me to improve my Spanish. The classes I took, which were with students from all over the world, were also helpful. If your Spanish isn't where you want it to be but you're prepared to learn, what Mente has to offer--classes, internships, and just the experience of living in another country--will be both a big help and a fun and unforgettable adventure.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program coordinators have been here a while and are super-friendly as well as being knowledgeable enough to help with any kind of problem. With the group excursions, I was able to experience a lot of things that I might not have found on my own, but the program is also set up so that students can do things on their own if they want to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was living in an apartment with one other girl who was also part of Mente Argentina, and we were able to live independently while still having people there to help us. We had some trouble with the amenities, but nothing drastic.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I believe this program helped me to get the most out of my study abroad experience by being fully immersed in the culture in terms of the excursions and the level of interaction with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We were housed in a very safe neighborhood called Palermo. Staff warned us about taking precautions against pickpockets. I personally did not have anything stolen.

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)

Housing is covered in the program cost; you basically just have to buy food and other needful things. Buenos Aires is pretty cheap, especially for someone coming from the U.S. and changing dollars for pesos.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Junior-level college courses
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Basically, if you come to learn and aren't afraid to put yourself out there, you will learn Spanish. Just go out and talk to people. If you're doing an internship, try to speak Spanish as much as you can even if you're working with people who speak English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The excursions
  • Meeting other U.S. students
  • Getting to practice Spanish
* What could be improved?
  • Better communication regarding meeting places
  • Current images of housing options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Spending time with other Mente students is a good way to go. You can make friends that have the same goals as you.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!