Take the leap and go for it! Past Review

By (Wheaton College, MA) - abroad from 07/18/2019 to 12/01/2019 with

IFSA: Buenos Aires - Argentine Universities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent-- something that you'd imagine you already know but most definitely do not until going abroad. You learn how to be by yourself and enjoy that time, how to put yourself out there to meet new people, and how to dive into a culture in a way that goes past textbooks and pictures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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:

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

IFSA offers a wonderful support team that I could not imagine having met elsewhere.

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
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be wise on what you spend your money on. It will be nearly impossible to do everything you want abroad so make sure you are thinking about each expense before going through with decisions!

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? 300 level Spanish Courses
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? Make friends with natives. You not only get a friendship but also are able to practice your foreign language!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Staff members at IFSA office
  • Speaking Spanish
  • Having the freedom of living by myself in a foreign country
* What could be improved?
  • A bit more organization
  • More group bonding
  • How to meet natives 101 course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it's important to have an open mind for everything and not set expectations. When going into something new it is vital to just be open and go with the flow just a little bit.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.