Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the Best Experiences of my Life Past Review

By (Amherst College) - abroad from 02/28/2018 to 07/07/2018 with

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Because of my semester in Buenos Aires, I am even more aware of the importance of the human connection, understanding the different ways that people engage with others across societies, the importance of remaining curious, and the urgency of truly listening to others, even if their opinions or practices are different than my own. I am so grateful to have found such a fantastic program, and wholeheartedly recommend it to any student looking for an experience of a lifetime with trustworthy support.

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.

My academic experience both in IFSA and the local universities was fantastic. I enrolled in the directed research program, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had thus far. As a student majoring in Law, Jurisprudence & Social Thought and Spanish, I am also deeply interested in public policy, diplomacy and international affairs. Studying in Buenos Aires, Argentina was an experience that gave me a different perspective on the importance of effective diplomacy (I took a legal history course at a local university).

* 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?

I got sick at one point in the semester, and was thrilled to find out that IFSA had a "home visit" service. A doctor came to visit me in my host home, and I didn't need to navigate the hospital system.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

From staying with a host family in Buenos Aires’ Recoleta, to spending time with local college students, to volunteering with a local non-profit, to working with IFSA professors to complete my research project, I grew in unimaginable and innumerable ways that will forever shape the way I view the world and my role in it. My experience in Buenos Aires has positively impacted my worldview in ways that will forever affect my personal and professional growth.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 max
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a budget before going abroad; track how much you spend each week; if you plan to travel, ask your host family about the best way to travel (tourist prices are usually more expensive, so talk to someone who knows the area)

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish Writing Workshop
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • Local Students
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?
  • Incredibly Supportive Staff
  • Fantastic city
  • Fun excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Not sure how this could be done, but more connects with locals? Especially those our age
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it truly makes a difference in Spanish language improvement to make as much conversation with locals (about anything!) as possible

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.