Watch your workload, enjoy the country! Past Review
By Nicole B (Economics., Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/22/2013 to 12/15/2013 with
IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program
I improved my spanish skills, and fell in love with Argentina.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was not as much direction with course registration as I would have liked. Be thoughtful when choosing courses. Sometimes taking easier courses is the best choice, it gives you time to explore the city, foster new friendships, focus on your language skills, and get the most out of your study abroad experience! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The director of the program and the professors were all very kind, warm, and welcoming people. In fact, all IFSA employees I was in contact with fit this description. However, I found the program to be lacking in direction and support. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was a challenge living far from my university, friends, and major attractions. However, my host family was really wonderful and has been with the program for many years. Word of caution: Not all of my peers had the same experience, and many changed houses. |
| * Food: |
Argentine cuisine is very simple and very limited. That being said, there are some truly wonderful restaurants in Buenos Aires and I would encourage you to seek out the many wonderful puerta cerradas all across the city. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Argentines are extremely friendly, but they have close/long term friendships and it can be difficult to connect as an international student. I would encourage you to go out, join activities, and take advantage of every opportunity to meet locals. It is very difficult to do this through university classes alone, although that seems to vary based on school/department. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Buenos Aires is like any other large city. You have to be aware of your surroundings and your belongings. Acquaint yourself with the areas you should avoid and try to go out in a group as much as possible. I never felt unsafe during my six months here, and I didn't live in the best area. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
The "dollar blue" exchange rate really helps. Bring cash with you to exchange at this rate. Talk to your host family about the best way to do this as you can be swindled if you're not familiar with the bills. Even so, Buenos Aires is not a cheap city (although taxis are extremely affordable!). But I think that with minimal planning you can very easily stay within any budget you choose to set. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| 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? | ALWAYS SPEAK SPANISH. Even if you are in a group of Americans, don't speak to one another in English. This might feel a little silly at first, but if you do it from the beginning it'll become normal. I didn't speak English with any of my friends from Argentina until near the end of my program and it was the best decision I made. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The quality of your classes shouldn't be your focus on a study abroad program. Seek a happy balance. Also, friendships with locals are invaluable. |
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! |
