Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing program! June 21, 2023

By (Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/23/2023 to 06/07/2023 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel like I gained a completely different perspective on the world. It's a cliche but it's true; this program is life changing!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The directors of the program are so helpful and supportive!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing is all homestays with local families. I found this a really great way to connect to the host culture and work on my language skills and I loved my host mom.

* Food:

Argentinian food can be a bit bland, but this didn't bother me too much. Dietary restrictions are well accommodated, especially gluten free.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's hard to feel completely integrated with a different culture in only 3 and a half months, but I feel like I was able to be a part of the culture as much as I could.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had to go to the hospital and found it very easy to access care. My host mom came with me and the program staff checked in on me the next day. There were no extra vaccines that I needed to go to Argentina.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in the city. As long as you are smart and careful with your belongings (especially your phone!), there really aren't too many problems. I felt very safe walking late at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

They provided the exact level of support and independence that I needed.

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)

SIT provides a stipend for lunches which I was able to stretch for other expenses. If you want to spend money on extra things like gifts or going out, then it can be a little pricier but Argentina is very affordable for Americans.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? probably about $20

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? 175
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? watch/listen to Argentinian media to better understand the accent and some of the words they use that are unique.

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?
  • Experiential learning
  • Language immersion
  • Program staff
* What could be improved?
  • More breaks in long classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Let yourself rest sometimes!

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 Linguist
You 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!