Argentina Gave me a Whole new Perspective on the World Past Review
By Julio R (Political Science/Economics, San Diego State University) for
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
The overall experience was amazing. SOL really has study abroad down. So much is done for you that all you really have to do is take in the experience and enjoy. It was great getting in touch with Latin America. As a Latino, I can't stress enough what a valuable experience spending some time in that part of the world is. Though the region is diverse, there is no doubt that there is a collective identity among Latinos and you will feel like you're home. And even if you aren't, getting to know a culture outside of the US will undoubtedly change the way you look at the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The course on Eva Peron was an interesting experience. It was incredibly compact at less than 3 weeks long. It was split up into two halves with two different professors. One of them taught at USC and I'm fairly certain the other one taught in north america too. So in terms of teaching styles, it was really no different from a class back home. I liked the different approaches that were taken one was cultural and the other was gender. Overall it was a pretty good class, though I feel that it was much too short to get something substantial from it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our host Raul was amazing. He was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. At 7, I felt as though the program size was perfect because we were able to change our plans if we wanted to do something differently and move around easily. It wasn't so big that it was hectic or so small that you didn't feel like part of a group. My expectations were definitely exceeded. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was arranged by the program and I was placed in a unique situation. In my case the host family wasn't so much a family as it was a collection of international students. The host "mom" was great however and is definitely close to the students. The set-up was good and bad as it didn't really have the feel of being a family but getting to meet and live with people from all over the world was an unforgettable experience. I always felt taken care of while I was there but at the same time very independent. Overall the housing situation was a plus. |
| * Food: |
Food in Argentina is great. We were taken to many spots as part of the program but finding a good place to eat on your own is not too hard. Empanadas and pizza from most places are good. But ask around and finding your spot should be easy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Tango, the soccer stadium, and visiting the ranch were probably the most memorable cultural attractions we visited. But there is a lot to see in Buenos Aires and a lot of culture to take in. You will leave feeling like there is much more to see. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
When I first arrived to Argentina I was very sick from the flight. But our host/guide gave me some medicine that fixed me up real quick. From there on out I didn't have any health issues. During the summer be wary of the mosquitoes, you will get plenty of bites if you don't put something on. As far as safety, I found the city to be just as safe as any big city. Stay out of the wrong neighborhoods (especially at night) and you should be fine. The only thing you really need to worry about are the pick-poketers on the subways and big crowds. Just be alert when in big groups. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live 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? | This program is great and I guarantee you will not be disappointed. But even if you don't do this program, do yourself a favor and study abroad. It may sound cliche, but it really will change your life. SOL does it well and at a great price. If your not interested in Argentina, their other programs seem just as good. |
