Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A great opportunity to learn about public health and improve my Spanish Past Review

By (Public Health., Santa Clara University) - abroad from 08/26/2014 to 12/08/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Public Health in Urban Environments

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was definitely worthwhile. I improved my Spanish speaking abilities a lot, I learned to navigate a big city, and I grew in my confidence and independence. I also learned a lot about public health and the Argentine health care system.

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.

* 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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend bringing a lot of cash to exchange in Buenos Aires because you will get a better exchange rate than if you use a credit card.

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? 1 year of college level Spanish
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? I definitely used the language the most with my host family.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Visits to health centers and hospitals
  • Classes taught in Spanish
  • Living with a host family
* What could be improved?
  • Too many hours in class
  • Classes only with Americans
  • Few opportunities to meet locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is not a typical study abroad program. The academics are intense and we had a lot of hours in class. But if you are interested in public health and want to improve your Spanish, it can be a really rewarding experience.

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!