Going abroad is such a valuable experience for anyone--just do it!!! Past Review
By Mariah S (Anthropology, Spanish, University of Rhode Island) - abroad from 08/26/2018 to 12/10/2018 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Transnationalism and Comparative Development in South America
Yes! It is yet another perspective of the world. To learn to live, adapt, and thrive in a completely different culture and language is incredibly challenging but you grow so very much. Every minute is valuable time stepping out of your comfort zone and learning about life, people, and time management you can't see from any other angle
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. |
I felt that the classes were super interesting, but having them all in Spanish means the academic rigor goes down because of the language barrier. The assignments were all fairly straightforward and simple, and the grading was easy. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff was great. They were all friendly, willing to help, and great at responding to questions--in Spanish and English. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My living situation wasn't ideal, but that was partly my fault because I decided I did not want to move to another family when I was offered. I felt there were some systematic issues in having a profitable person living in one's house during an economic crisis that caused most of the problems--the food was somewhat lacking and I did not feel particularly welcomed into her home and lifestyle. |
| * Food: |
Within my host family, this was difficult because I felt I did not get the quality of food I should have for the amount I paid for "room and board." This was not a big deal though because they gave us a stipend for lunch, so I could make up for the lack of food amount and variety I ate at dinner with a lunch of my choosing. I also recognize their culture eats differently than ours--something to adapt to. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had a great orientation and abilities to adjust. Also, Buenos Aires is a big enough city where adapting isn't too large of a feat. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health problems. One complaint I heard from the other students was that you had to pay out of pocket for medical expenses and then eventually were paid back by the insurer used by SIT--this isn't ideal if your bank account is low. |
| * Safety: |
There were a few times I felt unsafe during the program--during events and excursions and such, but I always felt safe in my neighborhood and going to an from regular classes. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Sure, there were flaws, but any program has flaws. The people who lead the program were so great that despite my host family struggles, this program was awesome! |
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) |
Argentina was a fairly cheap country for North Americans during my semester there because of their economic crisis. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Between food, laundry, and entertainment I spent no more than $75/week, but usually considerably less. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a budget, become comfortable with the exchange rate and how to divide or multiply, and know how much cash to bring out with you when you leave your home. |
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 |
99% of our classes, meetings, and discussions were in Spanish. In addition, my host mom did not speak any English and anytime I was in a restaurant, refilling my "subte" (subway/metro) card, getting my laundry, etc I was speaking Spanish. |
| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 104 |
| 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? | Before you go: watch movies and series, read children's books, listen to music and podcasts, etc in that language. While you're there: don't be afraid to start a conversation with someone, practice in your head, learn local words and phrases When you return: Keep taking classes, watching movies, reading books, talking to friends and "family" you met abroad, etc to keep up your skills--they can go as quickly as they came!! |
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? | Its gonna go by so fast, enjoy every single second. I also wish I would have known more Spanish before arriving to better understand the classes. |
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. |
