Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Argentina (I'm not creative) Past Review

By (Lake Oswego High School) - abroad from 07/07/2012 to 08/03/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I improved my language skills and I became very familiar with an exotic and interesting new culture and city.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Beware of pickpockets. Never have your wallet in your back pocket and attach it to your belt loop with a chain.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

It was dependent on how much you tended to spend and how much of your food came from your friends leftovers.

* 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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat what your program members leave on their plates at lunch and dinner so you don't get hungry. Don't waste money on gum and other worthless indulgences. Do not go out to bars and spend money partying.

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

I would recommend that more time be given in class and less free time for the students to play around the city.

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? Fourth year spanish
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? If you are signing up to have a great time, then this program is a great choice. However, if you are coming to Argentina to practice the language, then I would not recommend this program. The students on the program are given several hours of free time during the day without supervision. In the loosely regulated city, many students go out and party in bars and other locations. All of these hours you will probably spend speaking English, which draws away from the process of learning Spanish. The best way to become fluent in the language is to familiarize yourself with it, achieving some amount of fluency in the language, and then spend the entire month speaking Spanish. Although I met a group of fantastic and wonderful people that I hope to stay in touch with for many years, my original goal of achieving a high level of fluency was not entirely met due to the immense amount of time I spent speaking English. Also, in any abroad program, spend as much time as possible with your family. It will give you more exposure to the language and it will help to build a better connection with your host family. Also, participate in the language classes, they are immensely helpful.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Classes
  • Food
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Less unsupervised time
  • More class time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!