Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Buenos Aires is not for me Past Review

By (University of Kentucky) - abroad from 07/22/2018 to 12/07/2018 with

Study Abroad Programs in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So far in my life it hasn't super mattered that I don't drink, so it was an interesting preview into the rest of my life to see how that would negatively affect my social life. I would say going abroad wasn't worth it for me. My Spanish isn't better, but my accent has gotten weirder as my "ch" will occasionally sound more like "s," a quirk I didn't want to pick up.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The "host families" tend to be single older women who regularly rent out the room you are in, so it's more of a landlady arrangement. Also there was a weird sound of crushing metal most nights.

* Food:

Argentina thinks it has good food. It's wrong. The food is bland. There's some good Chinese food though. If you are a vegetarian, it can be a little difficult.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I don't drink or party and that really hampers getting to know locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There were a lot of phones stolen, primarily while in clubs.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Should have gone to Paris. Would have improved my proficiency in one of my languages. Buenos Aires isn't for me, host families aren't for me, eating dinner at 9 pm isn't for me.

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)

Food is cheap in Buenos Aires.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not sure
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Uber is cheaper, but the regular taxis are also cheap and don't carry the threat of violence from the people whose jobs they threaten.

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

You get a lot of opportunity to hear Spanish, but less to speak it. Your host family is supposed to speak only Spanish with you.

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? SPA 602
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? Go to clubs. That's the main way people met locals.

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
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?
  • It was cheaper than a semester at my home university
  • It encouraged bonding between the students studying abroad
* What could be improved?
  • There is nothing to facilitate your meeting of locals. The students studying abroad are effectively segregated from the normal students that go to the university. If you want to make friends with locals, you'll have to go to clubs.
  • Better host families, the option to stay in apartments would be nice.
  • Mediocre communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't like Buenos Aires. Not drinking is going to affect your social life. Being an early riser doesn't work with this culture.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Introduccion a la ciencia politica
Course Department: Ciencias politicas
Instructor:
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Very challenging, the only class I have ever failed. A lack of support.
Credit Transfer Issues: