This program was best study abroad decision I could have made! June 24, 2023
By Temma S (Communication and Media Studies, University of Maryland - University College) - abroad from 02/23/2023 to 06/07/2023 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights
The untraditional academic programing opens doors to conversation and connection with community members you otherwise would not meet enrolled directly with an Argentine university. I left this program feeling inspired and wanted to go back to Buenos Aires as soon as posible!
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. |
The academics of this program are challenging, but definitley not in a traditional way. Through experiential learning (especially in a new language) the academics pushed me in new ways. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration of this program is AMAZING. They are so caring and understanding with the students. Everything they do is so intentional so that we have an incredible time, learn a lot, but more importantly feel comfortable and supported during our time abroad. The admin of this program really facilitated the creation of a new familial environment among the group. They were always available as emotional support systems and also individually just amazing people who wanted to spend time developing relationships with all of us. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved the host family arrangements with this program. The program is very good at screening candidates and the home stay coordinator is extremely intentional with home stay placements. My host mother was so kind and welcoming, I had an amazing time living with her and developing a relationship with her. |
| * Food: |
My host mother was very accommodating to my food preferences - I was paired with a woman who had similar food preferences which was really nice. I didn't have an food accommodations, but for those who did need alternatives, the administrators always made sure they had sufficient food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt extremely integrated into the culture, and that is my most valued take away from this program. I lived with an Argentine woman, spent everyday meeting and talking with people in the community, and even got to work at a local non-profit organization for the last month of the program. I don't think I could have felt more integrated with any other program that wasn't based around experiencial learning. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The health care within the country was great and the admin was always very helpful guiding me through the process. I needed to go to the doctor twice while abroad, and the admin always made sure I had someone to accompany me. Everything in Argentina was very similar to the US (and in many ways better/ more intuitive). The only negative aspect was trying to get reimbursements from the international insurance provided. Sometimes if they cannot get in contact with the hospital you are visiting, you need to pay out of pocket and file for reimbursement - this was slightly annoying. |
| * Safety: |
Buenos Aires if a very safe city - I never felt at risk being alone in the city during the day and using public transportation. However, basic city smarts definitely still apply. Don't use your phone a lot in public or leave you belongings unattended. And don't travel at night alone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program was everything I hoped for and more. I got to live with host family, learn and live in the language and really immerse myself in the culture. While this program was extremely challenging in terms of adapting to new environments and learning a new language, it was the most rewarding experience of my life. The program directors are also work extremely hard to make sure you have a support system with them and within the group. Every measure is taken to insure students are learning and living in a health, safe, and comfortable environment while still being pushed and growing |
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) |
5 - Argentina is extremely affordable and you are given a lunch stipend every two weeks (because it is not included by the host families). So the money spent out of pocket was for tickets and experiences, nicer meals/ cafes, gifts/ souvenirs. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | less that $40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | For easy and cheap lunches, there are a lot of weigh and carry-out buffets around the city that are extremely affordable. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | three college level semesters of spanish |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Everyone had so much patience with me and was extremely kind. Argentinians overall are so so kind and were exited to meet Americans who wanted to learn the language and connect with the culture. And don't be afraid to try and put together complex thought in the new language (even if you don't know if you're expressing something correctly or coherently). Through clarification, you'll get your point across in the end! The language immersion is definitely a challenge and can be exhausting, but was the most rewarding part of the experience for me. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | I wish I had not been so hesitant about the host stay experience. It took a lot of time to get comfortable in my host stay - I think if I had just opened myself up to my host mom sooner, I would have started building my relationship with her sooner. |
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 UrbaniteA 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. |
