Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Thought provoking and social-justice focused Past Review

By (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 06/15/2017 to 07/26/2017 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Art, Memory, and Social Transformation (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about experiences of trauma and pain that I would never have the opportunity to hear about in the same way outside of Buenos Aires. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I am extremely grateful to have spent a summer with SIT in Buenos Aires. By learning about memory and trauma through art, I was able to learn how people begin the path to heal while also demanding their stories be heard. This topic is always important to reflect on, but it is particularly relevant today. I got the opportunity to learn about a history not commonly taught in the United States, and was so lucky to live with a wonderful host mother who I saw in a subsequent trip to Buenos Aires. This program inspired me to focus on immigration patterns in Buenos Aires in research I conducted following the program, and is the reason why I ended up going back to Buenos Aires a year and a half later. A huge thank you to all of the people who made this program so impactful!

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)

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? Advanced
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? Advanced Language Course
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? Completely immerse yourself as much as possible!

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Hands on learning
  • Focus on human rights
  • Opportunity to improve Spanish
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to fully immerse and engage critically with material
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it would have been okay to take breaks to emotionally process what I was learning, especially when the material is so heavy.

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!