I grew so much in the best possible ways Past Review
By Madeleine L (Agoura High School) - abroad from 07/04/2014 to 08/01/2014 with
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
I learned so much about being independent: from the small things like doing laundry to the big things like staying safe on the streets. It was definitely worthwhile, and my Spanish improved tremendously. I made life-long friends, and the month really went by so quickly.
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. |
I loved, loved, loved the smaller class sizes. My class had only five or so students, and the teacher was absolutely lovely. By far, the best language classroom experience of my life. I wish classes at home had the same intimate, personalized approach as Academic Buenos Aires, but unfortunately, class sizes can't afford that. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My host mother was adorable and extremely sweet! She lived by herself, and for the first half of the program, she was also hosting an older teacher who was staying in the city for a bit. I only wish I was in a home with a bigger family and maybe even children, as were some of the other students in the program. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very comfortable. Had to get used to some of the facilities at first, but everything settles into a routine after the first few days. |
| * Food: |
Delicious. Italian-Spanish style with a South American flair. The gelato is amazing, and the pizza is some of the best I've ever tasted. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I loved the culture of Argentina. I did feel like I was a bit separated from the local culture because I almost always hang out with the American students in the program and spoke in English with them. Though the friendships I formed with the other students was one of the best parts of the program, it didn't help with my Spanish or my cultural integration into Buenos Aires. When we traveled around in a group, we looked so obviously American that we got plenty of stares. Someone even yelled in English, "Shut the f***k up!" out of a moving car! Woohoo! Pro tip: don't speak loudly in English in the streets! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I fell sick during my second week and at one point could barely speak without sounding like someone with emphysema or something. My host mother offered to take me to the doctor, and the program director offered to get me some antibiotics, so it was all well taken care of. I'm just stubborn, so I didn't accept any offers. I know some other kids in the program who also fell sick (almost all of us did, actually), and their host families provided medical care and everything. |
| * Safety: |
Pretty safe as long as you stay smart and careful. Recoleta, which is where most of us lived, is pretty solidly middle-class and safe at night. I got lost at 10 PM and walked about twenty blocks with a giant map in my hand and did not run into trouble...but I don't know if that was pure luck or just the safety of the area. In general, avoid walking alone at night in more dangerous parts of the city like Retiro and Constitución--or just in general, really. If you have a bad feeling about an area, STOP and don't walk there. I followed my gut multiple times and am glad I did. Also, KEEP TRACK OF YOUR THINGS. If you have a backpack, wear it in front or sideways or keep locks on it. Never leave it alone to go the bathroom. Some people got things stolen out of carelessness. |
| 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) |
Pretty easy. I brought with me $500, and only used $200-$300 of it. Most food is provided for, so you really won't need to spend your money on much unless you go crazy on shopping and snacking. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$90 a week or so. Can't really say, as I spent most of my money towards the end for souvenirs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't buy all your souvenirs at the beginning (this is what I was advised to do), but DON'T wait until the last few days (not something I was advised). You just won't have that much time during the last few days, and souvenir-shopping will be a lot more stressful. I ended up buying the last of my souvenirs the hour before (and AT) the airport. So much speed-walking and last-minute money-exchanging. Not very fun. |
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 |
Everyone always encouraged our group to practice our Spanish...even random strangers on the street! Unfortunately, though sometimes we tried talking to each other in Spanish, most of the time we conversed in English, haha. |
| 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 4 IB HL1 |
| 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? | Though it's okay at a certain amount, try not to spend too much time talking in English with your friends. It can be tempting, but it'll impede your growth as a Spanish speaker. Try to spend as much time as possible talking to natives, having conversations with your director and teachers, etc. Ask questions in class for anything you're confused about. Class can seem like a chore, but take advantage of it!! Don't sneak about on your phone. You probably won't ever have this much one-on-one attention in a Spanish class for the rest of your life. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | 1) Spend every day to the fullest. Don't just go back home after school. Explore the city a bit more. Engage in more conversations with locals. 2) Don't buy your souvenirs at the last minute. 3) APPRECIATE EVERYTHING. It goes by so, so fast. 4) Buy some more stuff for yourself. Don't be so scared about spending money, as you'll have a lot left over at the end, and food is fairly cheap. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
