Incredible Independent Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Honestly, University of Belgrano is a bit of a joke. All that I learned, I learned from reading the books on my own or outside of class. To receive an 8 or a 9, all students really needed to do was show up for the final. I was really disappointed in the classes/school work except the intensive language program. I was really hoping to be challenged (even took a class with locals), but received all 10's without putting in much work after the mid-terms. I understand it's a study abroad experience and should have less rigor, but class time I felt was wasting my time.

On-site administration of your program

Both Raul and Alexia were extremely friendly, extremely socially engaging. I felt comfortable talking to them about anything, and I always felt included as part of the group and that they cared about me and my experience. However, many times things were less than organized. Activities would be announced 24-36 hours before which is hard to coordinate when you have tried to make a life in the foreign culture. I tried to set up a volunteer activity with the program since February and successfully started in late April after multiple e-mails and conversations with the directors (though volunteer opportunities are advertised as a part of Sol, they have no standing connections). I really really enjoyed Raul and Alexia so much, but I think that the events could have been planned more in advance and with more notice. We didn't adhere to our program calendar, and something as simple as that would have really made me more inclined to participate in program events.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lilian, my host mom, is by far the best. I have not heard of a better housing situation that mine while studying abroad. Truly fantastic.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This did not really have to do with the program but instead with other social connections I made!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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

2.5

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

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Iguazu trip. Never would have made it out there sola

• Much better organized, help students get involved in Buenos Aires social activities instead of just with Sol (have recommendations for volunteering, churches, clubs, etc.). All of the experiences I loved were outside of program and most I found for myself (church, soccer team, volunteering).