Immersive and Comparative program in a premier world city. Past Review
By Matthew B (Spanish Language, Literature, The College of Wooster) - abroad from 08/25/2015 to 12/07/2015 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Transnationalism and Comparative Development in South America
Many things- navigating the subways and buses, better language skills, learning the history of the region from those who witness it, self-confidence and comfort in new settings and places, and much more! Very worthwhile.
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. |
The courses provided an academically challenging environment and a different structure from the norm in the United States. The readings we were given were stimulating and encouraged deeper thinking about some of the issues, and did a nice job of providing a viewpoint outside that of North American or Western European academia. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was absolutely wonderful, I could tell they truly wanted me to feel at home not only within their household, but within their country as well. We still keep in touch, I mailed them a letter yesterday! |
| * Food: |
The city has lots of food to offer, though I was surprised by how similar many of the restaurants are. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
|
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I only got a little sick during one instance and I went to a local pharmacy and they helped me find what I needed. |
| * Safety: |
The city can definitely be unsafe in certain areas. Just don't walk alone at night, keep your valuables hidden, and try not to speak too loudly when you're walking around. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program offered me some wonderful experiences to further my interests in Latin America. The city of Buenos Aires is so historic and beautiful, too, and it's definitely a place I'm glad I lived in for a few months. |
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) |
The exchange rate was very favorable while I was there, so things were pretty cheap. If you use the lunch stipend correctly, you can get away with little to no personal spending on certain weeks. Events within the city are often very cheap, too. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Using the markets is a great way to eat healthy, cook some local dishes, and save lots of money. |
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? | A 200-level literature class |
| 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 news reports or videos from the country. The accent is very different from what we learn in our schools. |
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? | 0 |
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? | The most valuable moments were when I got away from the program group and got to interact with locals. Join a club or sports team and meet some of them! |
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! |
