Loved living in a big city although connections were not as long-term Past Review
By A student (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/28/2018 to 12/10/2018 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights
My fluency noticeably improved, as well as my confidence in using the language. Academically, I gained experience in completing my own research project.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Some of the seminars were not as engaging because they were multiple hour-long lecture style, but some of the site visits were very unique and I learned a lot from them. Thanks to being matched with a great advisor, my final research project was a great opportunity for educational growth that really rounded out my overall educational experience with this program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administration team was full of all lovely, kind, and understanding women. During down time, I loved getting to hear from them individually about some of the movements we were learning about. On a more personal level, despite their continued open expression of support for us students, I did find that I was not completely comfortable seeking out their support and so at times I just felt more comfortable going to other friends in my program to talk. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I got along with my host mother very well. She was very used to hosting students and so she had her own established routines, and would often offer suggestions on how past students chose to spend their time. It was very comfortable for me to share living space with one other person, and I enjoyed many of the conversations that we were able to share over dinners. |
| * Food: |
Was not very impressed with the food, felt that I had to seek out other cultural cuisines in the city on days that I wanted particular kinds of food besides typically common Argentinian dishes that we saw everywhere. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I formed a smaller number of individual relationships rather than making many friends over the course of my time there, but did eventually find some places aligned with my interests like live music where I got to meet and make casual friends. Live cumbia was definitely a highlight! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any experience with healthcare so my comments here are not very helpful because I did not get sick during the program. |
| * Safety: |
There were a few instances of robbery/pick-pocketing among other students on the program, but I personally never came across any incidents regarding safety. Although at the beginning we were advised to always take taxi when out at night, I felt comfortable taking bus at night most of the time. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
If I were to do it again, I would directly enroll to challenge myself more in really immersing myself in the language and the youth culture as a way of relating to the themes of the program (social movements and human rights) |
Finances
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* 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) |
I am definitely not much of a spender but regardless, living in Buenos Aires was very affordable (also teaches you about the privilege of US currency in exchange rates). The lunch stipend from the program helped a lot, and so weekly I mainly spent on a few meals here and there, and maybe going out on the weekend. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around $20-30 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take public transportation! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 105 |
| 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? | Avoid speaking in English with those in your program whenever you can! The temptation is always there but it can seriously hold back your growth. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That going on day trips just outside the city is a great way to get relief from the city. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
