Intense but incredibly rewarding experience! Past Review

By Lucy M (Public Health, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/28/2018 to 06/11/2018 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Public Health in Urban Environments

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned so much. Not only about myself but also about the Argentine healthcare system. I improved my Spanish immensely through classes and speaking with my host mom and other Argentinians. I also made lifelong friends!

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?	I felt integrated into the local culture but I had to work hard to seek out opportunities to interact with local students my age.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I didn't find healthcare extremely accessible however when needed students were able to get care. Additionally the Argentine staff know that it is an issue and are working to fix it.
* Safety:	Although the city was generally safe. Petty crime was rampant and I felt on high alert most of the time. However, it did not outweigh the benefits of the program
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)	The program tuition and room and board cover almost everything.
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
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?	Beginner
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?	level 4 - conversational
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?	Speak to the other Americans in Spanish!!

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?	Home stay Academic leadership Experiential learning
* What could be improved?	Faculty-student communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish I knew how academically rigorous this program would be. Although I loved the rigor and learned so much from it, I was not expecting it and would have liked to know that in advance.

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!