Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester in BA: Roque el Profundo Past Review

By (sterris10, Brandeis University) - 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?
A cultural understanding of Argentina and South America as a whole. Independence and shamelessness. Willingness to adapt.

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 ISP period was academically rigorous and engaging-- many resources were available. The classes throughout the semester were redundant and not too challenging nor engaging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

For a large group of students, the SIT on-sit admins were very accessible and organized. Sometimes they shepherded us around a little too much and I think the students could have benefited from free time and space to organize our own activities and events.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Incredible family. Best family in Argentina. However, it took me nearly an hour and a half to get to class or to the program house.

* Food:

Best meat in the world. But lots and lots of it. Definitely had to be conscious of making sure I was eating enough fruits and vegetables.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I networked through my homestay family so I was able to attend some local events and meet some Argentinians that way. All of our classes were together, as a group, so perhaps we could have benefited from classroom integration.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had any health issues.

* Safety:

Safety was covered during orientation very thoroughly. By abiding by some standard rules I felt as safe as I do in any other city.

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)

On the blue dollar rate the cost of living in BA is very affordable.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use the blue dollar rate, bring a lot of US dollar to exchange. If you are not comfortable with that, use XOOM, the website to exchange money safely and legally.

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

We didn't sign any contracts, which I have heard rumors of from other programs, but it was highly encouraged that we use Spanish at all times. It's also a necessity with the homestay families as many of them only have tenuous English abilities.

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? 106
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 as much as possible, especially with the homestay families. Although it might feel like you are improving just by listening, it is the talking that will ultimately help the most.

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?
  • homestay
  • the trips to the north and south
  • the students
* What could be improved?
  • smaller classes
  • start the program earlier (we weren't even enrolled in a university!)
  • weekends off during the trips
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That most students stick around BA for the ISP and that most likely you'll stay with your family during that period. Also, that there is a chance you'll be living 20 minutes away from anyone else you know.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Course Department:
Instructor: Miranda Trincheri
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Though the history and human rights courses were far to lecture based and generally pretty repetitive (had guest lecturers every week so there was no congruity and lots of redundancy), the intensive spanish class was terrific. It was twice a week and probably should be increased to three. The classes were held to 9 people or less and had a nice balance between discussion/reading/writing. Miranda is a great instructor all around
Credit Transfer Issues: