Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Purchase learns about Argentina's dark history and contemporary uprisings Past Review

By (Sociology., SUNY Purchase) - abroad from 06/04/2012 to 06/22/2012 with

SUNY Purchase: Buenos Aires - Summer Program in Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was wonderful. Learning about another country in a beautiful, cosmopolitan city was beautiful, especially with my friends in the Sociology program and other students from the college. I learned too much to say here, but going abroad always changes me for the better and this was no exception.

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.

Intense for three weeks, good readings and knowledge of topics by professors

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Instead of being placed in an apartment, we were in a hostel shared by other students on different programs. We were unaware of this arrangement and thought we would be in our own apartments in Buenos Aires.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The coursework was intense so I didn't feel like I had the time to find locals. However, the courses included cultural field trips which helped me understand Buenos Aires and the people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues. No vaccines necessary.

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Course work
  • field trips
  • being with friends from my college
* What could be improved?
  • housing
  • length of program - extend it
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Everything about the program was clear and well organized so there weren't any aspects that were unexpected in a bad way. I wish I had known that we were living in a hostel instead of an apartment like we were led to believe.

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!