Buenos Aires: Learned What I am Capable of as an Individual Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

At Universidad Torcuato di Tella, the classes were similar to those at Tulane, a private American university. Most of the professors had received graduate degrees from the States. The classes were organized and followed a syllabus, interactive, and challenging.

On-site administration of your program

My expectations were met in regards to the organization of the program and the staff in country as well as staff in the States in Vermont. I felt well-informed before arriving and I adjusted well to new situations.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was treated as family in my host home. I did not need to buy and of the housing amenities. All was included. I was very near to the university, walking distance, and a few subway stops from nightlife. The housing was organized by Middlebury.

I did not particularly enjoy food in Buenos Aires. Restaurants usually had good steak, but lacked vegatables and variety. Restaurants are pretty expensive in Belgrano and Palermo, where I lived. It would be useful to be a good cook.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program organized a group trip to Cordoba, Argentina by bus, to visit the university there and to explore a different part of the country. We went hiking in the mountains. It was an exciting trip!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt safe in Buenos Aires, especially in the neighborhood I was in, Belgrano. Do not ever keep a wallet in your pants pockets, front or back, because it is guaranteed that the subway will be packed every day and night during the work week. Carry a shoulder bag and keep it in front of your body. Do not make eye contact when walking at night in the streets because Argentines are very interested in talking to foreigners. Taxis are safe and usually populous at night and early morning. I got the vaccinations advised for traveling to Argentina, and no major risks occurred while I was there. At the end of my stay there was a train accident with a bus. And a few months after I left, a train crash with the platform due to faulty maintenance. I used the train and never had problems, but just something to be aware of. The company will surely improve its services due to the major publicity of these fatal accidents. I did use the program's health insurance, HTH and it was very helpful. I got an appointment approved beforehand so I did not pay anything out of pocket.

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

The best way to learn a new language is commit to speaking only that language. Immersing yourself with students in the host country and spending time with native speakers of the language is the only way to learn everyday speach and improve pronunciation, construction, and most of all vocabulary.

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• Host Family
• Apartment

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• Host Family

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• group trip included
• the city itself!
• staff available in the city to talk to about challenges

• prior information about the university options