Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

No regrets Past Review

By (International Affairs, University of Mary Washington) - abroad from 02/04/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile! I learned a lot about me personally. I also learned what it was like to struggle through life everyday. It gives you perspective and patience when you return home.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes weren't necessarily difficult but recieving help outside the classroom from your professors was often impossible. There was also a lot of confusion surrounding many administrative policies that could not be answered.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Raul and Alexia were great but they often took a very Latin American view on everything. That is to say if something wasn't of dire importance it often took forever.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location of my homestay was perfect, right in the middle of Plaza Italia and my room was also of the highest quality. Unfortunately, there lacked an integration with my host mother and there was no other "family" that interaction was possible with

* Food:

Marta was understanding of a varying schedule of dinnertime and breakfast was awesome. In contrast, dinner often left a lot to be desired. There was no variety and this regiment was repeated week after week, The amount was never an issue though; there was always enough to eat. The kitchen, especially the refridgerate, was unsanitary.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues in Buenos Aires.

* Safety:

I always felt pretty safe in the northern half of Buenos Aires. Pick pockets are common in the city especially on publi transportation. Be careful. Always travel in groups and always be aware.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

I spent between $100 and $150 a week to live there.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Lunch was not included in my program cost so I had to buy food for that it was about $60 a week for the basics
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to use the grocery store. Its cheaper than eating out. Also take care of your clothes because laundry can get expensive.

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

At the beginning, the program was mostly in english. By the end, the program was mostly in spanish with clarification in english.

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? Spanish 315
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? Join an activity. get native friends

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • It was small and intimate.
  • The excursions were fun as were the cultural activities.
  • Everyone in my program got along.
* What could be improved?
  • The host family environment.
  • More accturate knowledge prior to arriving in Argentina
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that Buenos Aires was a huge city that really didn't fit the mold of Latin America.