Semester in Tierra del Fuego which I wished would last for years December 02, 2024
By A student (Environmental Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/03/2024 to 12/15/2024 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina: People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica
I was able to improve my language skills (gaining confidence in reading, writing, and conversing in Spanish, I met fantastic and adventurous students from various universities across the U.S., I created strong bonds with Ushuaians, and I learned so much about the marine biology and ecology of Tierra del Fuego.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was pushed academically, and constantly supported and challenged to be a better student and peer. There are so many resources available (homestay support, language assistance, office hours availability) |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Absolutely incredibly people. Inspiring, warm, welcoming, and so generous with their time, knowledge, and resources. One of my favorite parts of this program was creating relationships with the program directors and staff. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay experience was fantastic — as a vegetarian student, I was placed into a vegetarian household which was so helpful while being in such a meat-heavy culture. My homestay mom is truly so kind, loving, and welcoming and treats me like a member of the family. |
| * Food: |
Food in my homestay was wonderful, accessible, and nutritious. As a vegetarian student in Argentina, however, I struggled to find a diverse variety of options in Ushuaia. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated, I would frequently attend events and festivals in the city center, attend asados with extended family, listen and dance to cumbia, while also sharing about my upbringing/home with those around me. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have an experience with healthcare during my program. |
| * Safety: |
Ushuaia is a safe and secure city and I never felt uncomfortable walking around alone, or after dark. The only thing that I would mention are the dogs, which are rarely aggressive, but it's important to take caution. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I will never forget this experience and I will hold it close to my heart for the rest of my life. I cannot emphasis the beauty and importance of this program enough! |
Finances
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* 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) |
SIT provided us with a debit card to purchase lunches, food, and other necessities. I did not struggle with budgeting or finances. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $15 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I was encouraged and supported to speak Spanish, and I felt that this was a very judgement-free environment. |
| 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? | SPAN 307 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The lack of spices in Argentina. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
