Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Fantastic Way to Experience Buenos Aires Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - Berks) - abroad from 02/27/2016 to 06/25/2016 with

IES Abroad: Buenos Aires - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of confidence while living in Buenos Aires. I learned that I can handle living in a foreign country without my family. I was able to experience a completely different culture and improve my Spanish language skills. It was definitely a worthwhile experience.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in a residence hall. The biggest problem was the wifi. The signal was extremely weak. I usually had to go to a café or library to do my homework.

* 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:

There are many pick pockets in Buenos Aires but there didn't seem to be a lot of violent crimes.

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)

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

There were certain places at IES where we could only speak in Spanish. The program also promoted Spanish challenge weeks where participating students were only supposed to speak in Spanish.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try not to be self conscious. If you get nervous and do not speak to others, you won't improve. Everyone is learning so don't be too hard on yourself!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The field trips- They allowed me to experience the local culture and customs.
  • The staff- They were extremely kind and went out of their way to help you.
  • The curiculum- I learned a great deal about the culture, history, and politics of Argentina in the classroom.
* What could be improved?
  • Sometimes it took a little while to receive important information.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? When exchanging money, the exchange rate was better for larger bills (50s and 100s) than smaller bills.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!