A Study Abroad Experience in BsAs Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/19/2018 to 12/01/2018 with

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved my Spanish (particularly my speaking skills) and confidence navigating a foreign city alone.

Personal Information

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.

The actual Spanish immersion aspect was difficult at first, but after that the academics were easier than my classes at my home 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?

* Safety:

As long as you kept your wits about you, as you would in any large city, it was safe.

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)

My cost of living was about $60/week

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The biggest cost, aside from weekend trips, seemed to be eating out, so be aware and chart your spending if you are worried.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? SPAN 321: Migrations and Identities: Latin America and Eastern Europe

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
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Location
  • Language
  • Walkability
* What could be improved?
  • LGBT resources/inclusion (particularly in regards to transgender identities)
  • Transparency/accessibility of counseling services
  • Ease of formal immigration process/increased clarity in this process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? iPhones are fine as long as you are careful