Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

City Center Immersion in Buenos Aires, Argentina August 17, 2026

By (Westminster University) - abroad from 05/25/2026 to 06/25/2026 with

IPSL Global Engagement in Argentina: Spanish Language, Culture, and Volunteering

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Having an opportunity to live abroad is always worthwhile. I feel I understand Argentines and a region of South America on a much deeper level now,

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.

Though not within a traditional classroom setting, the structure of the program allowed me the greatest exposure and experience living within Argentine society as was possible for an international visitor.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Judith Boiman, the in-country program co-ordinator was warm, knowledgeable, professional, and always available to assist with logistical or other kinds of challenges, advice, and local information.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The style of housing I requested was of high quality, very conveniently located, and the owner of the property was very kind and helpful with any issues.

* Food:

The style of housing I chose was self-catered so the location of the housing was important. Shopping in my neighborhood was very convenient and it gave me an additional opportunity to learn and navigate supermarkets, small green grocers, and convenient stores. I learned how to shop like an Argentine and that was fun.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Having my own apartment gave me an opportunity to meet neighbors in hallways, get to know cashiers and my corner markets and cafes, and my volunteer location was very warm, welcoming, and professional and I learned a lot from them about daily Argentine life. I am a Spanish speaker, so I had an advantage in conversations and navigating the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Towards the end of my program I caught the flu. Nothing life threatening. I felt local pharmacies were well stocked and the staff helpful.

* Safety:

The location of my housing and volunteering were in safe neighborhoods and my housing was very secure.

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

The program was professional, knowledgeable, well run, and I felt I got exactly what I requested and/or hoped for.

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)

Argentina is a comparatively inexpensive country and I brought independent funds with me so I had a cushion on top of my stipend. I cooked most of my meals at home but still felt I was able to go out on ocassion to cafes or pubs or have little day trips to different parts of the city without breaking the bank. Public transportation in Buenos Aires is on the same level as New York City so it was relatively inexpensive and convenient to get around. Also, just walking around the city was interesting and entertaining which was a cheap activity you could do anytime.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 to $60 (sometimes less if I didn't really go out that week)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It was smart to split my funds between cash and my bank card. ATMs in Argentina have notorious fees so it was good that I brought cash with me to exchange and use at smaller places that maybe didn't except card. (Which can happen in Argentina more than the States) An unseen benefit of using your card from home is it's tied to $USD which can actually save you money from day to day depending on the exchange rate and inflation.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • People I volunteered with
  • The San Telmo neighborhood
  • Argentine warmth and humor
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That Argentina is a large country and it can be expensive to travel last minute to other parts of the country. Try to plan ahead as much as is possible for day trips or weekend trips.

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 Linguist
You 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!