Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Well Thought-Out, Meaningful Program Past Review

By (Clemson University) - abroad from 06/24/2017 to 07/21/2017 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think that entering a foreign country without knowing anyone had a very large impact on me. Sol took care of me from the beginning, and the trips we took as a group allowed all of the students to bond. I now feel very confident in my abilities to work with anyone - even students I met for the first time studying abroad in Argentina. We were all out of our comfort zones, and Sol was always there to guide us as we experienced the city for the first time. My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had two professors at the University of Belgrano, and they were both incredible! I always felt challenged, but both professors were happy to help with anything.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I do not think I got along very well with my host mom, but I had a warm bed in a nice neighborhood, which is all I really needed.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues, but I felt confident that Sol would take care of me if I needed anything.

* Safety:

I was told many times to keep an eye on my belongings in Buenos Aires, but I had no problems with theft. Most importantly, I felt safe and the locals were very friendly.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Sol was amazing. I loved that we had cultural activities planned each week, and the program directors were always available to help with anything. I felt like the program was designed to experience the best parts of the city in the month (or longer) that you are there.

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)

I was responsible for lunch everyday, and I was a little surprised at the prices. I could get a decent lunch for under $10, but I was hoping for some even cheaper options around my university.

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? If you are staying for a long time (which I was not), buy food at a grocery store to make your own lunches. Also check out when museums, etc. are free.

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

I spoke only Spanish with my host mother and my professors, but I often spoke English with my friends in my program. It was totally my fault if I didn't get enough Spanish practice though. I often chose to speak in English with my program directors about half of the time so there wouldn't be any misunderstandings.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? SPAN 3050 - Intermediate Spanish Composition and Conversation
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? Always speak the language, even when all of your friends speak English, try to speak the foreign language as much as possible. Practice is everything.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Planned Cultural Activities
  • Availability of Program Directors
  • Amazing Professors at University of Belgrano
* What could be improved?
  • My host mother wasn't very warm or comforting.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Inflation is crazy in Argentina. Prices you see on travel blogs, etc. about Buenos Aires aren't accurate unless they are from this year. I probably wouldn't have been so surprised by the lunch prices if I hadn't been looking at travel blogs from 2011, etc.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!