Buenas Ondas; Good Vibes Past Review
By Kathleen D (The Catholic University of America) - abroad from 07/18/2015 to 11/06/2015 with
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
There is nothing more exciting than discovering a new place and feeling more at home than ever. There is never a gloomy day in Buenos Aires. The city is vibrant and happening 24/7. Every aspect about the culture of the Porteño life is admirable. Starting with the greeting of a kiss on the cheek- this friendly and somewhat intimate gesture gives one a sense of comfort and belonging. Sharing mates with good people while having intelligent and meaningful conversations is something so precious to be treasured. I appreciate the pace of life. Something I really took away from my time in Argentina is how the people value time spent in the company of family or friends. This time can last several hours but is never dull and always memorable. The people value each other and care deeply for one another. The sense of belonging that strangers can give you is unreal. You feel important because people make eye-contact instead of looking at their phone during a meal. The nightlife is an experience in itself but something so amazing about it is that you can find live music every night of the week which was something I fell in love with. The people at these places all want to be there and radiate good vibes and energy. If I learned one thing from my experience abroad, it is to have an open mind and leave all expectations at home because every day, every moment is a surprise that blows any expectation so far away you can't believe it. Mark Twain once wrote: "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." This quote perfectly explains what I want to say. I knew I would have a good time in Argentina, but even that expectation was crushed because I had an incredible time that will hold a special place in my heart forever. I could go on forever about Buenos Aires and reasons why a person should travel abroad but I understand my experience is so personally relevant to myself and not everyone has the same take-aways, but one thing I do know is that not a single soul will ever regret seizing the opportunity to travel. It's hard to say yes to something so intimidating like traveling alone in an unknown place, but there is something liberating about stepping out of your comfort zone and seeing the beautiful wonders this world has to offer. So go! Get out and see something new!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall an incredible learning experience. I learned loads of information in the classroom and bettered my skills of the language while at Belgrano, and once you step outside you are forced to put all of that into practice which is so awesome to be able to learn and immediately put those things into practical situations. Learning went beyond the classroom as one is immersed into the culture, customs and lifestyle of Argentina. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our group was constantly in contact with Raul who kept us informed of activities and important information regarding host-families, school, and student visa. Never did I feel that I didn't have administrative guidance from Raul. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The woman I was hosted by, Teresa, was a wonderful host mom and really made me feel at home. She was very motherly-like; always inviting me to walk around Buenos Aires, run errands with her, go to church, or just go to lunch. I appreciated having a close relationship with my host-mom while also having the freedom and independence to explore and go out on my own. Teresa made me feel so comfortable and always wanted to make sure I was okay by checking in every once in a while. |
| * Food: |
Teresa was a wonderful cook and I can honestly say I ate very well at her house. She was always inclusive and let me help with making dinner. We always shared dinner together every night and had meaningful conversations. The food in Buenos Aires is to die for- it's so distinct and amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are so many opportunities to get integrated with the local culture you just have to be willing to go out and do them. From festivals in local parks, to playing soccer, drum lessons, street fairs to making friends and sharing conversation at Mate Club, there are countless ways to delve into the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a minor throat infection that was treated with antibiotics but my host mom was super responsive when I told her I needed to see a doctor. She paid for the taxi both ways and waited with me until I was seen by the doctor. I felt in great hands, the healthcare system was almost easier to deal with compared to what I am used to in the U.S. |
| * Safety: |
As long as you are aware of your surroundings and are smart about your actions you will not face any problems. A bunch of kids from the States had a cell phone or something of equal value stolen but that was because they were blatantly on it while riding public transportation or walking down the street. I never had any problems and can say that Buenos Aires is completely safe- sure there are certain neighborhoods that might be more sketchy and run-down but as long as you're smart and aware about the time of day and who you're with you'll be perfectly fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
The blue dollar conversion rate in Argentina made living almost luxurious. We never had to worry about breakfast or dinner because we ate with our host mom but even if we bought lunch or other food throughout the day it was super inexpensive. I honestly couldn't believe how ridiculously inexpensive Argentina is. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $15-$40 depending on transportation and if you eat/go out |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If studying abroad in Argentina, take as much cash as you can because you can exchange that for the blue dollar rate which is the best conversion rate and you get the most for your dollar. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I always spoke in Spanish with Raul, our program director, and my host mom, Teresa. They both were encouraging and helpful. In class, as I took all my classes in Spanish, you're forced to speak the language. Every day you have a unique opportunity to speak and improve your Spanish with locals who are very receptive and kind. |
| 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 203 Reading and Composition |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Mate Club, Mundolingo, getting out and talking to people! It's scary at first but you can't learn if you don't accept that you're bound to make mistakes- it's how we learn. Stay confident as exhausting as learning the language can be. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I felt well informed before starting the program. |
