Learning Politics and Society in Buenos Aires Past Review
By Briza Maldonado (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 05/26/2017 to 07/11/2017 with
IFSA: Buenos Aires - Advanced Language and Culture in Buenos Aires
I learned a lot about the political and social structure of a foreign country. It was definitely worthwhile because it gave me a better picture of what the United States' place in the world is like. It was a very enlightening experience to live in a major city and see how the natives navigate their daily lives.
Review Photos
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. |
|
|
* 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? |
The program didn't require any vaccines but the yellow fever vaccine was recommended. Pharmacies worked different in Buenos Aires because over the counter medication had to be requested at counters instead of openly available on shelves. |
| * Safety: |
Crossing streets in Buenos Aires is pretty hectic, drivers don't really pay attention to crosswalks and crossing times. |
| 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) |
Although the Argentinian peso is valued less than the US dollar, high rates of inflation made things worth about the same as in the states. Spent about $100 a week on food and other items. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
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? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | 0 |
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? | Before I had thought that things in my host county would be cheaper than in the US but I was wrong, prices for goods are about the same. I would also have brought more school supplies with me because it wasn't as convenient to buy folders and journals in my host country. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
