The most challenging, intense, rewarding and beautiful year of my life Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

One of my paramount goals for my time spent studying in Argentina was to polish my language skills in all facets (oral, written, auditory). I learned more than I could have ever hoped. The second semester spent in Buenos Aires was particularly beneficial in my quest to attain fluency and become immersed in the culture, thanks to the willingness and flexibility of Prof. Joanna Bartow and Claudia Oxman in designing another program for me after I completed the SMCM Signature Semester.

On-site administration of your program

Claudia Oxman is without a doubt one of the most industrious individuals I have ever had the honor of meeting. During the entire academic year she worked tirelessly to address any and all academic, personal, security, etc. issues that arose. She essentially made herself available 24/7, always encouraged (and continues to encourage) an exchange between herself and her students, and welcomed feedback.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All issues I had during my first semester were addressed and resolved with a very successful housing change during the spring semester.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

During my first semester, there were nine of us in the program and, naturally, we spent a lot of time hanging out together and, unfortunately, speaking English. This was countered by numerous cultural activities and excursions planned by Claudia and the associate professors, but it was still a bit difficult to become integrated during the first semester. However, this was a complete and total non-issue during my second semester, during which I socialized almost exclusively with Argentines and only spoke English when I called home.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Fortunately, I did not need medical care during my stay in Argentina, however it was always made clear that should the need arise, it would be very easily accessible. I did receive a Yellow Fever vaccine prior to my departure.

Buenos Aires really couldn't be more different from our campus at SMCM, especially regarding security. Like any urban space, there are certain risks involved with living there. The concerns were never sugar-coated by Claudia, Professor Bartow, or any of the professors and we were provided with several tips for maximizing our security the city. I was disheartened to hear that some prospective students ultimately decided to elect another program for safety concerns (or their parents' safety concerns). I must insist that Buenos Aires is not so dangerous that one should pass up an opportunity to study in such a vibrant city; while studying there, one should be careful, but never scared. Personally, during my first semester several of my classmates were pick pocketed (luckily most crime against foreigners in the city is of this nature and never escalates to violence), and though I was never personally victimized I did find my self in a couple of harrowing situations that I managed to escape from. Additionally I saw several Argentines being pickpocketed while using public transportation; it's a fact of life there, and it happens to everyone if they spend enough time there. Unfortunately, with only a month left in the country, I was involved in a pulse-pounding confrontation that ended in having my wallet stolen (I consider myself fortunate given that I had my camera, laptop, iPod and cell phone on my person at the time). This happened after the SMCM program ended (I stayed an extra two months in Buenos Aires), I honestly think I had spent too much time there, was too comfortable and let my guard down. Advice to future students: try to blend in to the best of your ability, don't walk down the street looking at your map, always try to look confident and like you know what you're doing and where you're going, be very careful at night (ladies especially, men may will probably seem very "forward" to most American women), always take a radio taxi (never an unmarked one), don't act like obnoxious Americans (speak Spanish whenever possible, don't scream in English walking down the streets), keep your wallets in a secure place, never flaunt your valuables (leave any expensive jewelry in the States), be careful crossing the street (pedestrians generally aren't respected), be extra careful in the Subte. I could go on, but basically be smart and trust your gut. If a situation seems sketchy, don't stick around.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

During the first semester there were nine students in all and we were broken into two sub-groups based on linguistic proficiency so as to accommodate everyone's needs. In class, we spoke exclusively in Spanish and there were two other highly dedicated language students students with whom I was able to practice during our leisure time, but as I already mentioned, when the entire group was together the dominant language was English. This was actually one of my greatest criticisms of the experience, though I understand that such a scenario is to be expected. However, after sharing my concerns with Claudia and Prof. Bartow, the situation improved dramatically during the second semester when I was on a more independent track and hardly spoke a word of English during the rest of my stay in Buenos Aires. In fact, my English has suffered a great deal as a result of the immersion experience and even a month later I continue to have difficulty expressing myself in my native language, etc.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• I know it posed a bit of a challenge for Claudia and Prof. Bartow to orchestrate, but my second semester was absolutely incredible.
• Fusion of academics and culture/real life experience
• Excellent instruction; there was never a moment when I wasn't learning something

• For those who won't get the benefit of a personalized second semester, more intensive language component.
• An internship component like that offered in some of the other programs could be interesting, though very complicated to plan, I would imagine