Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye Opening and Full of Adventure Past Review

By (Global Studies and Spanish, Providence College) - abroad from 02/26/2013 to 06/10/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much more of the language and the culture. I was able to see outside of the developed city of Buenos Aires and how others live, such as those in los campos. I also was able to learn about their government and the extreme sides of the political spectrum and beliefs down there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought that the program had great aspects to it, including the trips to the north and south of Argentina to really experience what we were learning about. The information and topics that were covered were both in the past and present in their history and what was going on in their country. I found the information extremely relevant.

* 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?

I personally didn't need any healthcare, but those who did in my program were always assisted by the directors of the program and their needs always came first.

* Safety:

Buenos Aires is not the safest place, but you as long as you are aware and smart about what you're carrying on you and paying attention while walking the down the streets you will be safe. I never felt unsafe, just always cautious of my surroundings because there are a lot of robberies and pit pockets that happen.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Overall I spent approximately $2,000 while abroad.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The biggest thing to save money for is traveling if you want to see the rest of the country. Then comes money for food if you want to eat out. Things are not too expensive there. Also, to bring american dollars down there because there is the dollar blue market they can exchange money in.

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? Hispanic Civiliations
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? Just to keep practicing and know the basic things to ask, such as directions, how much things cost, etc.

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?
  • The locals
  • The lessons
  • The trips
* What could be improved?
  • Tell students to bring US dollars
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Definitely to bring US dollars because even though the program cannot tell the students about the dollar blue exchange rate, it is super helpful to know about and will save you a lot of money while down there.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.