Buenos Aires: Broadening Perspectives and Opening Linguistic Doors Past Review
By Chris A (Hispanic-American, Puerto Rican, and Mexican-American/Chicano Studies., Brandeis University) for
IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program, Summer
Studying abroad helped me to get an even broader perspective of the world and how people work. I really enjoyed learning about myself and others, as well as new customs and cultural aspects.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Since it was a quick 6-week summer program, I only took 2 classes. The workload allowed us to explore, travel, and have fun while still learning and getting a lot out of class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The support services, orientation, and overall organization was wonderful. I always felt supported and that my questions were answered. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I would talk for hours every evening over dinner with my host family, which was incredible. My host mom provided everything I could have asked for (within reason, of course), and was very helpful in helping me adjust and figure out where I could find what I needed in the city. |
| * Food: |
Everything was delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The weekend trip to Uruguay was incredible. I wish we could have spent a little more time exploring in Colonia del Sacramento, but it was an overall fantastic experience. I do wish we had more organized experiences with other university students, though. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I always felt safe, though I felt safer when I spoke Spanish in public. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Spanish with my host family, my professors, and most of my American friends as well. I tried to speak English as little as possible, though it still happened frequently. But I only spoke English with other Americans. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You have to be willing to speak Spanish and learn from your own mistakes. Be open to new cultures, foods, customs, and ways of life, like with any travel experience. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Literatura Argentina y Latinoamericana |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Max Gurian |
| Instruction Language: | Español |
| Comments: | This course was incredible. I learned a LOT, felt comfortable asking questions, and was able to expand my ideas both in class discussions and in essays. The professor was phenomenal. A very good TEACHER who was able to effectively communicate complex ideas to non-native speakers. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No issues |
