Buenos Aires HS Study Abroad Past Review
By A student (High School) - abroad from 07/09/2016 to 08/12/2016 with
Study Abroad Programs in Argentina
I gained more of an understanding of myself from my experience abroad and it was definitely worthwhile. I also have developed a fresh perspective of the world and the US.
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. |
My experience improving my Spanish at the Academia was incredible! My teachers were super helpful and I learned so much! The class sizes were small and great for discussions. I also made great friends while studying at the Academia. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration couldn't have been better. My program director Kevin was incredibly nice and a lot of fun. There were many activities planned for us and communication was smooth. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment I stayed in was located in an incredible area (near Microcentro) and my host mom made time to talk with us and give us recommendations. However, she tended to express a lack of trust with my roommate and I that made it a little less comfortable towards the end. |
| * Food: |
The food in Buenos Aires is delicious! We were exposed to many elements of Argentine cuisine! Just be aware that they serve very large portions! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated into the local culture quickly and got to know the city and its people through our numerous activities and excursions, along with having numerous opportunities to see the city for ourselves. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
A student in my same program became sick and Kevin was quick to assist and communicate with him throughout that week. |
| * Safety: |
Buenos Aires is just like any other city in my opinion in terms of safety. Just be aware of pick pockets by keeping your belongings close or in hidden pockets. I was never pick-pocketed, but I was warned about it often. Also try to avoid uncrowded areas at night if you are alone. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I believe I got so much out of my experience through this program. I was able to make friends, study in the heart of the city while improving my Spanish tremendously, get to know the culture through program activities, and spend time doing activities in the city myself or with friends, all on a daily basis. |
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) |
This depends on how much you pack. I didn't come with a lot of items, but I had to go to the drugstore for shampoo or bought mittens when it got cold so naturally I spent some money. I also spent on gifts to bring back. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $80 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | One thing about Buenos Aires is that with the exception of clothing and shoes many items are much less expensive. For example, a nice meal cost me around 13 US dollars. Just be aware that changing money is much less efficient that using an ATM. |
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 |
Through the program I became so much more comfortable and confident speaking Spanish with locals and I was almost always in a situation in which I could speak the language. Porteños are friendly and happy to see foreigners practicing Spanish. |
| 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 5 Honors |
| 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? | When you are out and about in the city you will hear the language all around you and be able to use it in any cafe, store, bus, etc. My advice is to use Spanish as much as possible, and don't be discouraged from it if someone starts by speaking to you in English. |
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? | Before going on this program, I wish I was more aware of the importance of communication and accessing money. My phone and credit card both broke at different times and I managed, but it made it harder and I learned from it. |
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.' |
