I Promise I'll Be Back Past Review

By (Spanish Language, Literature, Business/ Marketing, Wittenberg University) - abroad from 02/27/2015 to 06/26/2015 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the culture, the politics, the language and most importantly about life and myself!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - IES Abroad in Buenos Aires Photo IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - IES Abroad in Buenos Aires Photo

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.

The courses weren't the same difficulty level as in the US, but I learned a lot, maybe even more than in the US from a class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff and professors were amazing, very supportive and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My home stay could not have been better. I loved coming home to talk with my host mom every night!

* Food:

The food was great, both in Buenos Aires and at my home stay.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We always received emails from the IES center if there was a protest or something, even though they were never dangerous.

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? $30 US
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I usually bought tons of lettuce and veggies and brought my lunch to school everyday and it was cheap and easy.

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? 300
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? Watch TV or Netflix with the English sound and Spanish subtitles, its a great way to practice. I did it in BA and I still do!

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Freedom
  • Staff
  • Activities
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have packed more realistic clothes. Pack things you can wear in many different ways.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.