Learning in more ways than one Past Review

By Kaylin B (Anthropology, Spanish, Washington University in Saint Louis) - abroad from 02/25/2014 to 06/09/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights

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

Definitely worthwhile! I learned so much about the culture and South America in general, both inside and outside of the classroom. Also, it may sound corny but I also grew as a person and learned a lot about myself.

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The directors were amazing!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I definitely lucked out with my host family! I truly felt like part of the family and we still keep in contact!
* 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 did not have an experience with healthcare but a few of my group members did for a variety of reasons. All experiences went smoothly for them and the program was very attentive to all of our needs. I did not need any vaccines specifically for this program.
* Safety:	Always travel in groups! Take cabs in groups home at night! Keep your eyes on all of your belongings when in public!
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)	Costs depended on how much you wanted to travel/shop/eat out, but there were a variety of free activities and it was not difficult to find cheaper ways to engage with the community. The exchange rate was also favorable.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Find free events, find cheap food--not too difficult, share cabs

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?	Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Upper level Spanish courses
How many hours per day did you use the language?	10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Encourage your classmates to converse in Spanish outside of the classroom! Don't be afraid to interact with the public..they are very helpful and want you to improve!

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 people Experiential Learning The culture
* What could be improved?	Nothing! Explain grading procedures a little more clearly More class days but with shorter classes on those days
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	You can't control everything! Pack less than you think you need. Don't fear "mate." Say yes to new experiences!

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:	Intensive Language Study: Spanish for Social Sciences III
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	In this course, we reviewed various grammatical concepts and spent much of our time conversing to practice our communicational skills. We also went to the theater to see a movie about a reading we did for class. We also read a variety of articles applicable to the topics of our other classes and worked to improve our skills to complete our Independent Study Project. The class was very small and conversation flowed smoothly. The professor was engaging and very interested in the wellbeing of the students. We even met her at her husband's bar one evening to chat and spend some time outside of the classroom! We had a few written homework assignments, 2 written exams, and an oral exam, all of which were not too difficult.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	History and Human Rights in Argentina
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	In this class, we studied much of Argentina's history, especially with regards to the struggle for various human rights. Among other topics, we studied the most recent dictatorship and state terrorism and highlighted the abuses of human rights. It was helpful to examine some of the country's history in order to have a better understanding of the current situation. All of the lecturers were helpful and engaging. Participation was encouraged and the relatively small class size was not overwhelming. We were assessed by pre-departure assignments, a take home written exam, a final debate (which was more fun/turned out better than I had anticipated), and participation.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	Social Movements and Human Rights in Argentina
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	In this seminar, we studied Argentina's social movements that have emerged due to the demand various human rights and regular protest of sociopolitical injustices. We focused on social and political contexts of movements from the 1990's to the present. We looked at theories regarding social movements and also case studies to get a better grasp and tangible understanding of the ideas we discussed in class. In doing so, we learned experientially through a variety of trips, expeditions, organizational visits, and more. This is a major tenant of the SIT Study Abroad model, and definitely one of my favorite aspects. Learning from a book inside a classroom is one thing, but really engaging with the community and having hands-on experience makes a huge difference. We had a number of guest lecturers, all of whom were very knowledgable and engaging. We were assessed by pre-departure assignments, presentation of a text during a class, an oral final exam, and participation.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	Independent Study Project
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	Although intimidating at first, this was one of my favorite aspects of the program. For the last month, we worked on our Independent Study Project, applying what we had previously learned and also working with new information following the route we chose on our own. It was conducted in Buenos Aires or another approved location where we conducted field research. I ended up returning to an indigenous community where we had previously visited to complete my research. Great experience all around. We were free to manage our own time to complete the project. That being said, the directors, our advisors and the other students proved to be a great support system, and I never felt alone or too overwhelmed. We completed a 20-40 page paper (most wrote in Spanish, a few did so in English) and presented it to our classmates at the end of the program.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No