Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A lovely semester abroad! June 28, 2023

By (Foreign Languages and Literatures, Claremont McKenna College) - abroad from 02/23/2023 to 06/07/2023 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Public Health in Urban Environments

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
SIT’s Public Health in Urban Environments Program was an incredible experience. Thanks to its emphasis on immersion, my Spanish improved dramatically. Their well-planned travel trips helped me see various, authentic sides of Argentina from public schools in rural areas to the Minister of Health in Buenos Aires. The staff were incredibly caring and supportive. Overall, it was an amazing experience. I am not one to cry, but I cried for days when I had to leave!

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.

The program was academically rigorous and I felt challenged in my assignments. The professors were very passionate and patient with our Spanish. My ISP tutor was exceptional. That being said, many of the seminar professors were confusing to follow and not engaging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program staff were amazing! I felt incredibly supported and it was clear that a lot of thought was put into the programming. The host family coordinator was especially helpful and was even willing to come to an important appointment with me at 5am.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my host mom! She was caring, helped me to navigate the city, and took me to family events like her granddaughter’s baptism. She was also great about only speaking Spanish with me so that I could practice.

* Food:

My host mom always asked what type of food I liked and changed our menu accordingly. The stipend that SIT gives students is more than enough to cover lunches. During travel trips, we frequently ate at up-scale restaurants to try different Argentine cuisine. I was definitely well -fed!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was very hard to make Argentine friends without a direct-enroll program. However, I felt very much included in my host family’s social circles. The program also did a nice job either bringing us to cultural events (e.g., tango classes and soccer games) or suggesting fun things to do to experience argentine culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I broke my foot while I was in Argentina. The program was very supportive and helped me every step of the way. However, the insurance was very confusing to use and I did not get fully reimbursed for my medical expenses (expenses were minimal though thanks to the free health care in Argentina). I was able to see doctors quickly, but the quality of care was low.

* Safety:

I felt very safe walking around Buenos Aires, even at night! However, you have to be VERY careful with your phone and essentially never take it out in the street. Two girls got their phones stolen in my program of 10 people. Taxis can also rip you off - better to use Uber or other rideshare services.

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)

Very easy- the stipend covered more than enough. I think I made money off of it in the end.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use public transportation! It is very cheap, reliable, and safe in Buenos Aires.

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

This program did very well with language use. All classes were taught in Spanish, we were given many opportunities to speak Spanish with locals, and we always spoke Spanish with our host families. My Spanish improved significantly!

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?
  • Cultural and Language Immersion
  • Community - host family and other students
  • Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • Health insurance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don’t stress about your level of Spanish. Even if you are behind to begin with, you will surely catch up!

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!