Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Opening my eyes to the world outside of the US! Past Review

By (Finance and Marketing, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 09/03/2012 to 07/03/2013 with

ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the differences in-between cultures (attitudes, beliefs, values y etc.), how to survive in another language and the beauty of the world/unknown.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

The food is good in Argentina but it is very basic, bland and repetitive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Buenos Aires was like any other large city. You must be careful when walking alone at night and in parts of the cities that aren't as 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to find local spots as soon as you arrive because this will save you money instead of eating at larger and more well known restaurants.

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? None
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? Basic 1
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? This not a tip/advice, it's more a realization. Before going to study abroad, understand why you, personally, are studying abroad; your goals and desires. Once you know your reasons for studying abroad, you will know how much you will want to speak in the native language. Speaking in another language is your choice!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Other
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The excursions
  • Spanish classes
  • On-site support
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how dysfunctional the economy and government is in Argentina.

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!