One of the best experiences I've had yet Past Review
By Emily R Rader (Cardinal Stritch University) - abroad from 05/28/2016 to 07/01/2016 with
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
I learned that it's hard to learn Spanish, but being immersed in it, it really helps to learn it. Although you might feel alone, there are millions of people who are in the same boat.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Raul and Beatriz were awesome! They are always there when you need help and if something happens, no matter the time, they will be there to help. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Marita was the perfect host mother. My roommate and I were so happy to have been living with her. She always asked us about our days and was able to switch easily from Spanish to English if we didn't understand something. |
| * Food: |
The food was great but I really missed spicy foods. Other than that, empanadas and pizza have my heart in Buenos Aires. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt as if a lot of people knew that I was from the United States from my accent but no matter how long it took me to get a sentence out, the people were very understanding and helped me if I struggled. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Bring a travel wallet and have it in your bra or pants. Cover any purse straps and wear your backpack on your front so no one steals it. Don't bring your computer, iPad, etc. outside of your apartment or where you're staying. Don't freely show your phone outside in the street. If you really need to, always face towards the street or go into a cafe and use it. Tourists are usually targeted if they are using Apple products because they are so expensive in Argentina. Also, if you get spilled on in the streets or something drops on you (like paint, condiments, etc.) DO NOT put your bags down. This is a common practice that Argentinians do to rob you. One will spill something on you from above, another will come make sure you're ok, and another will come steal your bags. Also, don't smile at Argentinian men, it sucks if you're a overall friendly person but it makes them think you're coming onto them or are interested. But if you're careful and look out for these things, 9/10 times you will not be harmed or anything. They are all just precautions. Also, know where the American Embassy is in case anything is taken. NEVER carry your passport unless you really need it. Always carry a copy of your passport and have a picture on your phone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would always choose Sol over everything but I wouldn't choose Elebaires again. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100-150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go to buffets, they usually charge you for your food by weight. Also, bring a water bottle with a filter (Brita makes great ones). The bus is much cheaper than the subte but both are cheaper than a taxi. |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginner 102 |
| 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? | Download Duolingo or buy rosetta stone.Put on Spanish subtitles on Netflix. Those all really help. |
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? | How to manage my money and where all of the cheap places to eat were. |
