Best experience of my life July 11, 2025
By Poppy L (Anthropology, Boston University) - abroad from 02/11/2025 to 05/03/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights
Passionate, committed students looking for an immersive and meaningful study abroad experience look no further! I can confidently say that this experience changed my life. From living in a homestay to traveling the entire country on field trips, from learning from leading professors in social movements, law, and history to completing an incredible internship, I can't think of a better way to deeply engage with this wonderful country. Plus, the local staff is so supportive – I truly felt at home here.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This is a rigorous program for the committed student. Each week, we hosted visiting professors from various universities, in addition to frequent visits to local organizations, communities, and nonprofits. It is expected that you keep on top of your work and engage deeply with readings and class activities. However, it's not overwhelming – you have abundant support throughout, and the work is so rewarding! |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Eli, Cata, Gri, and Ana Laura are the most incredible women in the world. I am not being hyperbolic. They are both warm, friendly people and very organized, so I always felt I had someone to turn to. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My homestay was the highlight of this program. Living with Alicia in Constitución was the funniest, most rewarding, and most fulfilling experience of my life! Homestay living is a really great way to feel at home in a country and get a sense of new perspectives on the issues you learn about in class. I will always feel nostalgic for our late-night conversations and morning walks! |
| * Food: |
I dream of our asados and group meals on field trips – plus, Alicia was a great chef! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
After speaking to my friends on other programs here in Buenos Aires, I can confidently say that SIT is the best option if you are looking for true cultural immersion. By the end of the program, my Spanish had improved immensely – but, more importantly, I felt like I was truly a part of so many communities here in Argentina. Through my internship, I made local friends who introduced me to their favorite spots in the city, invited me to family dinners, and made me feel truly at home here. I also found an incredible queer community in the city, which is really important for me! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I fell horribly ill my second week here and SIT was so helpful throughout. Gris checked in with me multiple times a day, my host mom took me to the hospital, and GeoBlue covered the whole thing! If you're anxious about being sick while abroad, this is definitely the place to be. |
| * Safety: |
As a queer solo traveller, I've had my share of scary experiences abroad. Luckily, Buenos Aires is a very safe city, and SIT prepares you to navigate it well. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
Your homestay family provides you with two meals a day, so I found it very easy to keep on my budget! If you go out a lot or like to shop, you might find Buenos Aires expensive. However, if you're good with your budget and lean into the homestay experience, you can live with minimal costs. |
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 |
They frequently encouraged us to use the language – we just sometimes didn't use it! That was our problem as students, not anything about SIT. |
| 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 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | SINK IN! Linger at those late-afternoon meriendas, watch a telenovela with your host mom, take up dance classes, join a club, sit in on night classes at UBA. Buenos Aires is one of the most welcoming cities I've ever travelled to, and SIT's program directors are here to help you make the most of it. I, for one, joined an illustration workshop and a book club with a group of elderly ladies in my neighborhood. My experience—and Spanish skills—were significantly improved as a result! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
