Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful Overall Experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina Past Review

By (Stuyvesant High School) - abroad from 07/07/2017 to 07/28/2017 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really gained insight into a totally different culture. I improved my Spanish, and met some wonderful people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes felt like more of a way to practice talking to people. They didn't generally bring up new topics, but reviewed old ones. The length of the classes (4 hours) and their small size (1-6 students) meant that a lot of meaningful, honest discussion could take place. I do think that if you put yourself in a high enough level you could get a challenging academic experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our onsite administrator was helpful and approachable. Kevin liked to talk with the students and was fun to spend time with. He also was approachable; my roommate initially had an issue with mosquitoes in her room and Kevin bought her a mister apparatus that kept them away.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were given host mothers and I really liked mine! They all seemed really friendly and accommodating.

* Food:

Great food! We got to try a lot of asado and other traditional Argentinian cuisine (like mate!).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I experienced a lot of the culture of Argentina and I really felt like I could make my way around the city. I understood a lot of the customs and felt safe.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

The exchange rate was pretty insane, but I think I could have lived on around $20-$30 a week if I hadn't gone out to eat or bought souvenirs.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Internalize the exchange rate! Know what $5, $10, $15, and $20 is. That way it's much easier to figure out if you're paying a lot or a little, especially at a weird rate like 17-1.

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

My host parent spoke only Spanish, so we spoke Spanish with her, and the classes were Spanish-only, as well as the people we met around the city and much of the resources. The onsite coordinator and other students did not speak Spanish together.

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 3
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? Watch Netflix in Spanish. Read advertisements. Read books in Spanish. Listen to Spanish music. Talk to your host mom! Try and talk to other people in the program in Spanish as much as possible.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The courses.
  • Living with a host family and a roommate in the program.
  • The experience of the culture!
* What could be improved?
  • Speaking Spanish with the onsite coordinator and the students.
  • More literature provided on great places to eat or visit in Bs. As.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had made a plan of places I wanted to visit and known when they were open. Lots of places close early, or are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. I wish I had looked up the street fairs and when they were open. I also wish I had stayed longer! If I had been there for more than three weeks, I think I could have really gotten into the swing of things.

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!