Buenos Aires is the place to study and have fun! Past Review

By (Supply Chain Management, The University of Texas at Austin) for

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience made me want to travel and see other Latin American countries because every country has a different culture, which interests me. I also feel like going to other countries make you more humble because we're used to living in the US and learning about things only about the US, but foreign people know so much about the US and other countries that it makes me want to learn more. Also, having more students study abroad gives foreigners a chance to be in contact with Americans and get rid of their stereotypes about Americans.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: La Universidad de Buenos Aires
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.

There would be assigned homework almost every night, but the work load was fairly light. I would only spend about 30 minutes to an hour on homework. The final grade is broken down to attendance and participation, homework, and a final paper and/or project.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administrator was very useful and I was always able to contact him whenever. He responded to e-mails quickly and gave us his phone number for emergencies. He would help the students with anything we needed and he had office hours at a cafe by the school.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a neighborhood called Caballito. <br /><br /> I lived in a neighborhood called Caballito and I always felt safe to take the bus and subway. I had a host mom and host sister that accommodated my needs very well and would help me with homework and improving my ability to speak in Spanish. They were also very patient and friendly. I had my own room, but I spent the majority of the time in the living room hanging out with my family. The host family was responsible for providing linens and towels. Everything else I had to bring. For example, I brought my own toiletries, blow dryer, and computer. I also did my own laundry, which was very simple because I would drop it off and pick it up the next day.

* Food:

The pizza in Buenos Aires is great, but it's a lot fresher ingredients than the states. I usually only ate chicken and there are fewer chicken dishes in Argentina because they're known to have the best beef dishes over there. Also, water isn't free at restaurants so prepare to pay for water when you order water.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The world cup took place while I was over there so I would always watch the game at a bar or a plaza. I went to Iguazu Falls whit a group of student in the program and it was amazing. We booked a hostel, which are about $10-15 USD. THe program provided a day trip to Uruguay, a trip to a suburb outside BUenos Aires, a going away party, salsa and tango classes, and much more.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There were a handful of student that got pick-pocketed and nothing more. I suggest be careful if you bring a purse and guys should carry their wallets in their front pockets. They know that we're foreigners so we're an easy target. I never got anything stolen from me. I was never sick over there, but they have pharmacies with similar medicines and the program gave us the director's number if we were ever sick and needed a doctor or didn't know what a type of medicine was called they would always help us out.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just spend wisely, alcoholic drinks are a little cheaper than the US but not significantly cheaper. I always did the math before I bought something for example if something was 20 pesos I always divided that amount by 4, which turns out to be about 5 USD. So, convert pesos to USD when buying something. Things are a bit cheaper but nothing significant. I would go to the fairs, which are held on the weekends, to buy souvenirs and gifts because you can haggle and things tends to be cheaper at fairs.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Anyone who wants to learn about the culture and language and have a great time should come. I definitely learned a lot from my teachers because they taught only in Spanish and were native to the country so they were able to answer any of our questions and give us advice. My host family definitely made me feel at home because they were friendly and considerate and we always has dinner during the weekdays together and talk about random things. I also had a a lot of free time to explore the city and shop.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Grammar and Culture

Course Department: 000
Instructor: Victoria Picchetti and Celina Demarchi
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: The course corresponded to our trips during the program. For example, we would go to a tango class and then in class we would talk about tango and tango music. The workload was average. I had homework every night and there was one project and one final essay. The professors were excellent and very patient. They expected everyone to participate.
Credit Transfer Issues: My credits haven't transferred yet, but I don't expect a problem.
Course Name/Rating:

History

Course Department: 000
Instructor: Andrea Roman
Instruction Language: Spanish
Comments: Very well organized and the professor knew what she was talking about, knowledgeable, and answered all questions. The course was about the history of Argentina. The workload was light and the final was a five page paper.
Credit Transfer Issues: My credits haven't transferred yet, but I don't expect a problem.