Choose SOL Education Abroad!! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes taught in Spanish were definitely more challenging, however, teachers in every class made sure to push every student to participate and learn to the best of their abilities. Class was more conversation and less lecture- I loved it!

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was with a host mother in Buenos Aires. She was wonderful, but sometimes I felt like I was living with a parent rather than as a guest. I know that most of my classmates did not have this problem, in fact, they loved everything about living with a host family. If you ask your program director, they will do their best to find you a new host family that fits you better.

We were fed Breakfast and Dinner during the school week. and we got to go out on the weekends and experience the local restaurants! I loved the food, and it was very cheap to have a delicious meal in Buenos Aires.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

By the second month I was able to travel by collectivo (bus) and subway very easily. Buenos Aires can seem intimidating to venture through, but I soon realized how easy it was to throw myself into the social and cultural activities that they have to offer. I felt like an honorary "porteño" and I didn't want to leave!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to go to the doctor, but I really made use of the Pharmacy! I had a terrible cold at some point in my trip, and all I had to do was go and ask for antibiotics (my host mom told me exactly which ones) without a prescription! The pharmacists are very prepared to help you find something if you tell them your symptoms, but make sure that you know your Spanish, most do not speak any English.

I personally did not have any issues when it came to safety, but there are always those stories about that guy that got mugged in the park from your university... Honestly, it's all about being prepared. I gave myself rules to follow and made sure to stick with them: 1. NEVER walk in a neighborhood alone at night. ESPECIALLY La Boca!! I was fine walking short distances by myself on Santa Fe Av. in Recoleta, Belgrano is safe, Palermo is fairly safe. Be on the safe side, never walk alone at night. Public transport is safe alone. 2. Keep your belongings in front of you at all times. Don't carry valuable items everywhere, specifically laptops. People commonly text and listen to their music players in the open, but usually only on the bus. 3. Do not exchange your money on the street. Most likely, those men are carrying fake pesos. Get your money exchanged at xoom.com. It's easy, reliable and you get a great exchange rate! 4. Only carry a copy of your passport. You'll never need it after the first week of classes unless you're picking up your money at Xoom.

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

I gave myself a budget of $100/ week and it was VERY easy to live off of. Most weeks I had leftover money. Nightlife, food and transportation are dirt cheap!! If you want to travel around the country or South America, you need to budget extra money ahead of time.

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

In the beginning, our program director spoke in Spanish then translated to English, but after the second week, we mostly heard Spanish.

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

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• International Students

• Raul de la Mano
• Weekend Excursions
• Speaking Spanish

• Take a Group trip to Mar del Sur

The Avid Adventurer