An amazing experience that re-ignited my passion for learning in community! January 30, 2024
By Jade Y (Human Rights & Social Movements, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/22/2023 to 12/04/2023 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights
I learned what intellectualism, activism, and local organizing can look like outside the U.S. I also gained many parallels between social issues in the U.S. and Argentina, which enables me to put into use so much of the knowledge I gained from members of the community in Argentina.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
All of the courses, course materials, lectures, and excursions were always interesting and did a great job at bridging community experiences from the voices of members of the community with intellectualized, academic papers for historical context. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrators were amazing. They were so supportive and accommodating yet challenged and motivated me to stay engaged in the classes. They have a wonderful way of making students feel safe and comfortable amid so much newness. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living arrangements were appropriate but not compatible. If important needs aren't accommodated make sure to speak with program advisors, they are more than willing to help. |
| * Food: |
Not being able to cook meals that were filling and well-balanced was difficult since eating out can get tiring. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are lots of social life and activities to engage in, take advantage of these opportunities outside of program activities so you can get the best out of the city's notorious nightlife. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any experiences with the healthcare system except group therapy sessions at the beginning, middle, and end of the program which helped unpack my emotions throughout the program. |
| * Safety: |
Overall I felt safe the only concern was pickpocketing but as long as safe public etiquette is followed like guarding belongings and keeping them close and in front of the body, it should be fine. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The administrators' values, the thematic topics, and the communities we visited were so perfectly paired that I don't believe I could find another program quite like this. The administrators helped us learn outside of the mainstream, American way, and the topics of the class were deepened by the lessons learned in visits with local organizations and activists. |
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) |
The program gave almost weekly stipends for food, transportation, etc. which was very helpful. However, to rely solely on the student stipend would require a very low meal budget that was hard to stick to in terms of costly well-rounded meals and the availability of affordable choices in the area. This may present a minor challenge to low-income students. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20-35 USD a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Find reliable, economical eating spots for lunches. Have a budget for spending on gifts. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I shouldn't feel ungrateful for asking for certain accommodations like for homestay |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
