ISA Buenos Aires: An amazing welcome to the real world Past Review
By Steve J (Spanish and Communication, University of Massachusetts Amherst) for
ISA Study Abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina
The majority of problems I had were self-created. There are plenty of resources for everybody to have a great time, from traveling to playing a sport at the university. I learned what's it like to not feel like an American (although this term is offensive since South Americans are also Americans) and to live in a world where you have to look over your shoulder and take care of your own problems. You don't get hurt and sue someone here; you just avoid getting hurt. When I left I was still sad about being away from home, but I learned to travel more wisely and I will be living abroad in Spain next year as a result. Spain is great, but make sure you know South America at some point before you get too comfortable. My best experiences were when I didn't do the touristy things. Hanging out with locals, backpacking through indigenous villages, etc.
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. |
University of Belgrano is extremely easy and undemanding. It depends on what you're looking for, but that does give you plenty of time to explore the city and travel. I heard that taking courses with Argentine students was a lot more challenging though, and a great way to meet local Argentines instead of just Americans and Europeans looking to party abroad. University of Buenos Aires is even harder, but probably more interesting in terms of experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
ISA was really amazing in a number of ways. When I got robbed they sent Federico with me to the Police station to deal with reporting it, and also helped us get our Visas without a hitch. They were all extremely helpful and knowledgeable with everything from buying electronics to helping you get soccer tickets. Most of all though, they were just so nice. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I filled out a housing personality match form and it worked out perfectly. I absolutely love my host Mom, and we both cried and hugged when I was leaving. She treated me like a son, and would say, "Que duermas con los angeles" when I went to bed. There were some initial problems due to my taking long showers and not cleaning enough, but we worked them out. Most importantly, ISA is great about switching you into another host family if you have a problem. |
| * Food: |
My Mom loved making me happy with her food, and her maid (this is common there) was so kind and a great cook. She would always feed me until I was full, and usually had me eat even more than I needed. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I didn't do any of the smaller events arranged by the program, but the major excursions were pretty good. They were a little boring sometimes though and you felt like a little kid due to the large group sizes. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I want to give a higher rating for safety, because the program was great with warning about the dangers of the city. To be fair though, I was robbed three times. You really have to be smart here, as in broad daylight in the middle of the center of the city with people all around I had a fake gun pulled on me with the shape under his shirt by a drug addict. Nobody stopped to help because the residents fear that it's a trick to then rob them. Even more dangerous for girls. I walked alone at night and never had a problem, but you'd be wise to take buses at night and taxis and stay in small groups. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Buenos Aires really forces you to learn Spanish. People do know English, but it's not overly visible and you'll need your Spanish. Walking around and just asking strangers for directions helped me with my language a lot. Also, ISA offers amazing, free tutoring in one hour conversation sessions. I worked with Paula, and they were really fun and helped me so much and gave much more confidence with my Spanish. They also have a no English in the ISA office rule (a place where people come to take tutoring lessons, use the computers, ask questions, etc.) The only problem is that it's hard not to hang out with all of the Americans that you meet in the program. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you come to Argentina you shouldn't be looking for comfort. Argentina is about discovering a new world (not as extreme as that but you get my point). Buenos Aires is dangerous with a good night life, and the north And south of Argentina are so beautiful and have rich indigenous cultures. Even if you don't want an adventure though, you could still find a way to not speak spanish and go drink and party, but if that's what you're looking for I'd recommend Spain instead. The biggest struggle is striking a balance between hanging out with Americans and meeting locals (that don't want to rob you). |
Comments
I forgot to add: If you're gay (or straight) this is a great city to be in. Go to the club "La Plop" on Alvarez Thomas and Lacroze.
Steve_1544 May 19, 2011
