Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Overall, a rewarding experience Past Review

By (Eugene Lang College - The New School for Liberal Arts) - abroad from 05/28/2018 to 07/27/2018 with

The New School: International Field Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a private language tutor and I learned a lot from her. I understood the privilege of coming from New York to a global city where access to everyday items is not as common.

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.

While I was unsure of my final research until 31 days abroad, I was able to situate myself in Buenos Aires with the help of Lena Simet and Michael Cohen of The New School. This was a life-changing experience and I would recommend Argentine travel to anyone interested in media, culture, or economics. Argentina has many economic issues. However, The New School provided wonderful access to Villa 20 and Villa 31 while I was abroad. I would never have had such access to government officials if I were working under any other school. If someone is leaning toward economic studies, Buenos Aires would be a great place to visit and research. Further, those interested in public policy and international negotiations would benefit from this experience. Much thanks to Fernando Bercovich for guiding us through the ends and outs of the country. He was the kindest mentor while we had to adjust to a completely different atmosphere in comparison to New York City.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was within a bubble -- I was unaware of why my school rented me and my roommate a room worth $2500 a month while I was studying in the "slums."

* Food:

If you're going to Buenos Aires, bring hot sauce and pepper.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local 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

While I was unsure of my final research until 31 days abroad, I was able to situate myself in Buenos Aires with the help of Lena Simet and Michael Cohen of The New School. This was a life-changing experience and I would recommend Argentine travel to anyone interested in media, culture, or economics. Argentina has many economic issues. However, The New School provided wonderful access to Villa 20 and Villa 31 while I was abroad. I would never have had such access to government officials if I were working under any other school. If someone is leaning toward economic studies, Buenos Aires would be a great place to visit and research. Further, those interested in public policy and international negotiations would benefit from this experience. Much thanks to Fernando Bercovich for guiding us through the ends and outs of the country. He was the kindest mentor while we had to adjust to a completely different atmosphere in comparison to New York City.

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? 40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Watch rates of inflation because you might have more money one day and less the next.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? Utilize the time in the lab for Spanish language practice!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Cultural experience
  • Partnerships with academics
  • Trips to city council meetings
* What could be improved?
  • Oversight by administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now that I should have had more of a game plan when going into this program. However, it sort of situates itself once one goes abroad.

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.