Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best summer of my life! Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 06/21/2013 to 07/20/2013 with

API (Academic Programs International): Buenos Aires - Universidad de Belgrano

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was incredibly worthwhile! My Spanish improved quite a bit, I met amazing people, and it sounds cliché, but I gained a lot of confidence living outside of my comfort zone.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at API in Buenos Aires are fantastic! They did such a great job during orientation and really made sure my experience was great. I couldn't have asked for better administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was one of my favorite parts of the experiences. I learned so much just immersing myself in daily life activities with them. I was really close with my host family and there were definitely tears when it was time to say goodbye!

* Food:

Luckily, my host family ate pretty healthy by Argentine standards (whole wheat bread, side salads at dinner, etc.) The food is really what you make it. A lot of people complain about not enough fruits and veggies, but if you are willing to go shopping and pack your own lunch, it's really not a problem. Also, my host mom was a fantastic cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really made an effort to try to live the porteña lifestyle as much as I could. It definitely helped that the people in Buenos Aires were so friendly; it wasn't difficult making local friends at all.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

In comparison with the rest of South America, Buenos Aires is pretty safe. However, like any big city, petty theft is a major issue. Having to be constantly on my guard in the street was one of the hardest things for me to adjust to because I'd never had to think about it before. Carmen and the staff at API did a good job of letting us know what we need to be aware of and how to protect ourselves.

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)

Buenos Aires is not cheap, especially if you use the national exchange rate... With the dólar blue, your money goes a lot farther and you can do a lot more with $100 dollars than you every could in the States.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Including travelling, $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? xoom.com

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? Intermediate
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? Advanced Grammar
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? Your host family is your best resource! Make an effort to spend as much time as possible with them.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host family
  • The weekend trips
  • How dedicated Carmen and the staff at API are
* What could be improved?
  • Really nothing. I was SO happy I chose API and not another program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How great API is compared to the other programs. I met other kids in different programs in my intensive language class and I didn't meet anyone who had everything we did: only one student living with a host family, luxurious and well-planned weekend trips, and a strong orientation program.

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.