An Immersion into Argentine Culture and Academia July 03, 2025
By Lily H (Environmental Sciences, Ithaca College) - abroad from 02/18/2025 to 06/02/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights
What I gained and learned: - Cultural Immersion: I gained an immersion into Argentine culture by living with a host family. This provided an authentic insight into daily life, which is far beyond what typical programs offer. - Enhanced Language Skills: Constant interaction with my host family improved my Spanish proficiency. - Comprehensive Academic Knowledge: I gained in-depth knowledge about Argentina from expert and insightful lecturers, covering various aspects of the country. - Global Perspectives: The unique opportunity to meet and engage with indigenous communities provided a profound and different perspective, enriching my understanding of diverse cultures. - Research Skills: My individual research project, supported by the program's extensive network of experts, provided valuable professional experience. - Strong Support System: I learned the value of a supportive program team that genuinely cares for participants, making the transition and the entire experience much smoother. Was it worthwhile? Absolutely, yes. This program was not just a study abroad experience; it was a deeply transformative journey that offered authentic cultural engagement, rigorous academic learning, and unique opportunities for personal growth and exploration.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
If I could do it all over again, I would definitely choose the same program. It offered a level of cultural immersion, academic depth, and personal growth that I haven’t seen in many other study abroad options. Living with a host family made a huge difference. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way and helped me build real connections with people in the local community. The support from the program team was consistent from start to finish, and the academic content was incredibly insightful. I learned so much about Argentina, not just through lectures, but through real-world experiences like group travel and community visits. It wasn’t always easy, but that’s what made it so worthwhile. I came back with new perspectives, stronger language skills, and a much better understanding of the world. I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. |
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) |
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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? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
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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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 was nervous about my Spanish level before going, but I learned quickly that people are kind and patient, and that making mistakes is part of the process. I wish I’d worried less and trusted more that immersion would help me improve naturally. |
