Buenos Aires: La ciudad que nunca duerme Past Review
By A student (Economics/Environmental Studies, Western Washington University) - abroad from 07/20/2012 to 12/09/2012 with
ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Language experience, independence, friends and contacts
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It can be as hard or as easy as you want. Taking a class with locals definitely makes it quite a bit more difficult but obviously doable! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Room was smaller than I am used to but honestly didn't need anything bigger. I got to live with a family of 5 which was an amazing experience. |
| * Food: |
OMG. Argentines know how to cook. Asados, pastas, pizzas and empanadas oh my! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Extremely. I made friends quickly and spent time with them often. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I suffered from a severe ankle sprain and two torn tendons. Doctors didn't take xrays until 3rd visit/ 2 months later and no MRI until I demanded it after 3 months. Doctor read MRI and only reccomended physical therapy and rest. Physical Therapy was pretty second world as well. Had to leave my program before it was finished to come have surgery on my ankle in the U.S. |
| * Safety: |
Buddy system especially if you are a girl. Buenos Aires is a huge city and just like any other its size keep your belongings close to you and in sight at all times. Subways can be particularly dangerous for this kind of thing. Keep your head on a swivel and your wits about you and you should be alright. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Going out in Buenos Aires is extremely expensive, especially the boliches (clubs). Limit it...there are other things to do |
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 |
ISA workers rarely talk to students in english. AWESOME |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | SPAN 302 |
| 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 locals and live with a host family and talk with them every day! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | Volunteer or teach english classes or get a job somewhere. Get involved right away! This will help your language skills soo much |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
