An academically intensive yet rewarding experience February 17, 2025
By A student (Public Health & International Development, Tulane University) - abroad from 02/21/2024 to 06/04/2024 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Public Health in Urban Environments
The experience challenged me in so many ways: academically, professionally, and personally. I learned a lot about myself and the Argentine culture and history. Overall, it was a good experience that I greatly appreciate.
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. |
The classes were quite long (9:00-5:00pm on weekdays) and heavily focused on lecture-style teaching rather than including discussions or active participation. One of the pros and cons of the experience were the guest lecturers. We learned from a wide range of public health academics and professionals during class, but sometimes lectures were repetitive. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administrators are great people! They were very attentive to any problems people experienced on the program. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family, specifically a single, older woman. Most of my Spanish improvements were from the daily conversations I had with her over meals. My homestay was about 20-25 minutes away from iSALUD via public transportation, which sometimes was stressful during my daily commute. |
| * Food: |
I have dietary restrictions (gluten and lactose) so it was a bit difficult to find restaurants that understood how to accommodate both diets. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Porteños (Argentinians) are very welcoming to outsiders! They are excited to talk about their culture and share it with new people. Be prepared to have mate with your new friends in Argentina! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick once at the end of the program, but I did not have to go to a hospital. I would recommend bringing some basic, over the counter flu and cold medicine with you when you pack. The pharmacies were generally very accessible, but it can still be a bit nerve-wracking to figure out medication names in Spanish. |
| * Safety: |
I did not have any specific issues with my personal safety while I was in Buenos Aires. However, definitely be aware of your surroundings as it is easy to be pick pocketed on public transportation or at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
While the experience was truly amazing, I found that my academic and professional interests go beyond the objectives of the program. I think the program was a great way for me to learn more about what I want to do with my future. |
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) |
Your tuition covers meals and per diem. My host mom cooked me breakfast and dinner, and we used per diem for lunch. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | <$50/week |
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? | Intermediate |
| 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-2040 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The program is highly structured, and there will be many things that are out of your control. It took me quite a bit of time to get used to the organization of the program. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
