Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Difficult Academics Worth Language Payoff September 12, 2023

By (Psychology, Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/27/2023 to 07/07/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Buenos Aires

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Argentinian culture and language, and found the experience of both daily life out of the house and academics in Buenos Aires worthwhile.

Review Photos

Middlebury Schools Abroad: MIddlebury in Buenos Aires Photo Middlebury Schools Abroad: MIddlebury in Buenos Aires Photo Middlebury Schools Abroad: MIddlebury in Buenos Aires Photo Middlebury Schools Abroad: MIddlebury in Buenos Aires Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had very interesting and intense classes at the University of Buenos Aires. They were extremely difficult but worth putting in effort for.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Often disorganized, but did have student interest and content in mind all of the time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I ended up unsatisfied with my housing due to the attitude and actions of my host mother. I wasn't particularly happy and wished I hadn't had to come home to an uncomfortable environment.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was the most amazing and integral part of my abroad experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues but healthcare seemed very accesible

* Safety:

I had no safety issues and felt comfortable in the city even late at night

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I appreciated the resources the Middlebury program gave me, but think I would have had a more enjoyable experience had I been able to experience the level of individuality and home comfort that I wanted.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $5-10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Limit going out to eat if you can, and walk/bike where you can!

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? Spanish 300
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? Join local community groups/sports teams and make friends! It was a great way to chat about daily life without stress and anxiety about language ability.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Cultural exposure
  • Language improvement
  • Bonding with other program students
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • Scheduling that works for everyone
  • Housing situations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How hard academic life at the University of Buenos Aires is!

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Psicología de la Música
Course Department: Artes
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Castellano
Comments: This was a very challenging class without a strong background in music. It focused more on music than psychology, but was still very interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A
Course Name/Rating:

Teorías Psicológicas de la Subjetividad
Course Department: Educación
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Castellano
Comments: This was initially a difficult class with intense readings, but the exams were laid back and very individually based.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A