Rocking Buenos Aires Past Review

By (BSc Economics & Finance, Bentley University) - abroad from 07/28/2012 to 11/23/2012 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to speak spanish and I learned to be tranquilo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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

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? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a subte card on day one. Rely on the subte as much as possible and get to know the bus lines to avoid paying for cabs. Order your drinks at happy hour.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? introductory italian
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? use rosetta stone before during and after your program. listen to podcasts in spanish while on the bus. watch movies in spanish with subtitles. listen to spanish music. communicate with people as often as possible. Do not plan out the words in your head before you speak. speak and let the words flow freely.

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?
  • travelling
  • living a big city
  • nightlife
* What could be improved?
  • more spaces in program activities through moode
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? more spanish more about argentine politics how to play soccer

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'