Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Living the Porteño life with Sol Education Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., University of California - Los Angeles) - abroad from 09/01/2013 to 12/07/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Had a great time, in an amazing program, in an incredible city. It was absolutely worthwhile and I'm so glad I chose Sol. Students can learn so much about the world and themselves when living in an entirely different culture. I now have friends from every corner of the world and gained a special connection to Buenos Aires.

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Spanish classes were not the perfect level of work for international students. Constant exposure to the language helped immerse me comfortably without extra stress. The University of Belgrano is a great school, with caring teachers all in beautiful neighborhood. An all around great experience in the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Raul has to be the best on-site coordinator in all of Buenos Aires. He was available at any hour, thoroughly took the time to situate us into our new environment and was an absolute blast to be with! I consider him a friend for life and can't wait to visit him in Argentina again.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great host mother. She has hosted students for decades and is an absolute joy to be around. Though she doesn't speak much english, she is incredibly helpful and was part of the reason I was able to achieve my language-learning goals.

* Food:

I enjoyed every meal my host mom prepared for me. They were generally very healthy, always fresh, and she was flexible on dinnertime to help with my schedule.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This is where Sol Education exceeded. When comparing excursions and local activities to my friends in other programs, it was apparent that we had it best. There were opportunities for trips/activities many of the weekends throughout the programs and they were all such a great time. Longer distance trips were well organized, immersive and exciting. Raul took care of everything to make sure we were having the best time possible.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Had no health issues while abroad.

* Safety:

For me, Buenos Aires was a very safe city. We stayed in the parts that we knew well and therefore had no problems.

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)

Argentina has a favorable exchange rate for USD making it a very affordable country.

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

We were very encouraged to use the language, and we found ourselves wanting to do the same

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The city - Buenos Aires
  • The trips/excursions around the country
  • The director - Raul
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing comes to mind
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Touch up on the language a bit before you go, it will make the first few weeks a lot easier.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.