Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics were great in terms of having an easy semester with plenty of time to travel and relax. However, if you want to actually learn something, Belgrano is probably not the best place to do that. The expectations and workload were completely unreasonable, and so no one met them, and everyone still managed to get good grades. The grades are very scaled so it is easy to receive a good grade. The teachers are friendly and interesting and understand that school work is not a huge priority for student's studying abroad. Although there was an attendance policy in place, it was complicated and easy to get around.

On-site administration of your program

The API director in Buenos Aires is wonderful. She is so friendly, open, and caring, and will do anything to make her students feel at home. She welcomes students into her home and integrates her own family into the program. She definitely was responsible for making my experience a positive one.

Housing was completely arranged by the program. The program puts students in the best neighborhoods and near each other so they always have someone close by. The students in my program lived in Recoleta and Palermo which are both great and safe neighborhoods. I lived in Recoleta on one of the busiest streets and absolutely loved my location. It was very close to the center and to nightlife and shopping. It was a little far from school (about a 45 minute subway or bus ride), but I didn't mind it since getting to school each day was an adventure. I also would rather have been closer to the center than to school, since there is not too much around Belgrano. I didn't need to buy anything for my housing other than food for lunch. I loved my host family and your experience is completely what you make of it. In the beginning, I felt more like a guest since I learned that my family always has students staying with them. But I wanted a closer relationship with them, so I put in effort to spend time with and open up to them, and they ended up doing the same. By the end of the semester I felt like a part of the family, and still keep in touch with them.

I had no problem with the food. Breakfast and dinner were provided by my family, and I was very satisfied with that. Eating out and ordering food is also very easy, and Buenos Aires has an abundance of restaurants and cafes.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program offers great trips and excursions that should definitely be taken advantage of. Also, I recommend that students spend plenty of time walking around and exploring the city since there is so much to offer. My favorite part were the markets (ferias) on the weekends. Each neighborhood has its own fair with so many interesting and cheap things for sale. The best ones are in San Telmo and Recoleta, although Palermo has a nice one as well.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health wasn't an issue at all for me on the trip. I got a vaccine before I left (not sure which one) since we were planning on going to a tropical area to see Iguazu falls. Some people didn't get the vaccine and were fine. Safety was slightly an issue since there is a lot of pickpocketing in the city. Many people had their purses, cell phones, and cameras stolen. However, as long as you are aware of your surroundings and don't bring out valuables, you should be fine. Also, try not to walk around alone at night and only take Radio Taxis. The program does a good job of making students aware of safety issues when they arrive.

How well did UMass - Amherst prepare and support you for your time abroad?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The only place I really spoke a lot of Spanish was with my host family and while I was out in the city. However, it generally ends up that your closest friends are those on the program with you and socially you end up speaking English all the time. I definitely recommend seeking out local friends to practice with. In everyday interactions, Spanish was definitely necessary. Although some people speak English, a basic knowledge of Spanish is essential.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family