Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Loved my experience for the host culture exposure!! May 16, 2025

By (University of Redlands) - abroad from 08/20/2024 to 12/11/2024 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I entered the program with; a fair amount of exposure to spanish emersion environments, questionable but consistent background in spanish from high school, 2 semesters of college spanish and a year break between when I took spanish and when I went abroad. I also am dyslexic, so learning language in a classroom is more difficult for me. I was unique in my SIT student cohort, because almost everyone had more spanish credits then I did. At first the full emersion aspect of the program was overwhelming because it used so much energy to translate everything, while adjusting to learning my new day to day schedule. But it was definitely worth it to stick it out and probably my favorite aspect of the program. By the end of the semester I left feeling confident navigating and communicating in full emersion environment, a skill I’d abandoned mastering in a classroom due to my dyslexia. I would recommend this program to any and all!

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I absolutely loved my experience, from the programs staff, to my host family to our planned; trips, classes and activities, all were fantastic!

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)

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? 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? 2 semesters of college spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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?
  • host family
  • program staff
  • trips around country
* What could be improved?
  • Expanded budget for the program staff to utilize
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Travelers experience of the world!

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.