Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learning Spanish in the vibrant and exciting Buenos Aires Past Review

By (University of Mary Washington) - abroad from 01/27/2018 to 06/15/2018 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Spanish has improved so much and I loved getting to live in and experience Argentina, and travel to other South American countries.

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina Photo Study Abroad Programs in Argentina Photo Study Abroad Programs in Argentina Photo Study Abroad Programs in Argentina Photo Study Abroad Programs in Argentina Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Aside from being in Spanish, the classes were not difficult and did not require much work outside of class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My onsite directors were great! Raul and Beatriz met with us often and were available if we needed anything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I found I didn't love Argentine food but I definitely had enough to eat and was well taken care of by my host mom. She also handled my dietary restrictions (gluten free) very well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did feel like the international students were a little segregated from Argentine students but outside of school I felt I was able to experience Argentina's culture.

* 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

Sol Education Abroad was one of the most affordable programs in Buenos Aires and it included more meals, more outings, more cultural experiences, and had better onsite directors than I observed with the other programs.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The ATMs charge between $6-10 to withdraw cash so get as much as you can at once so you're not paying more fees than you have to.

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

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPAN 312- Introduction to Spanish Literature
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? You have to try. Listen to music, watch movies, read books in that language. Change your phone to that language. Talk with the other students, your teachers, and your host mom. Try not to fall back on English and make a real effort not to use English.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The directors and other students
  • The outings and cultural experiences
  • The practice speaking Spanish
* What could be improved?
  • I know some students didn't have great host families
  • The classes were not particularly difficult
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Can't think of anything at the moment.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.