Buenos Aires: The Fact and Fiction Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My host university was a bit disorganized at first. I had difficulty finding the available courses I could take and the instructions weren't very clear on how to apply for them. However, after I started my courses, they all were very interesting and challenging. The workload was medium. I was rarely swamped with homework but they definitely gave me a lot. I liked this program because I was able to take classes with students from the university, instead of just international students. I really appreciated how the professors engaged the students and how my classmates sincerely participated in the discussions and debates. This was something that unfortunately I hadn't seen very often in my home university. It seems that we U.S. students tend to focus on the specific grade rather than how the subject or area of study directly affects us in this world. I wasn't used to the testing system in Argentina. Basically (aside from a few quizzes here and there) we would take notes on all the lectures and have one final essay or exam. I found out that although this caused me to try and take more diligent notes, I preferred my university's method of chapter tests and mid-finals. I just feel it spreads things out a bit more and allows the student to pace his/herself with the workload. Overall, if you're taking classes you like, and you can keep up with the Spanish, it's a good university to study in.

On-site administration of your program

They were always helpful and informative when it came to a question or request I sent them through email. The program size is not too large (50-100 international students)so it is easy to talk with the coordinators. In Argentina, many people tend to take a long time processing documents or being punctual on things that require attention. I was somewhat disappointed in the amount of money we were given everyday for lunch. 5 dollars doesn't go a long way in Buenos Aires. It can if you are crafty, and know how to cook well (you can by really cheap meat, fruits & veggies in little stores). But overall it was a bit hard. Also, I think the cost of housing was a bit too expensive. I paid roughly 600 dollars a month

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very close to campus, which was a huge plus. I walked there everyday. My host family was an older couple who had had about 20 previous international students stay with them. They were very nice people, we had a lot of good food and conversation in their house. I guess I just didn't stay long enough to be able to really meet them. 4 months isn't that long when you are abroad

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

All my classes were in Spanish. It was, however, easier than I expected to get along there. The professors know and take into consideration that you are an international students and will sometimes give you different (easier) exam or essay assignments. You will definitely need to use Spanish everday, although about 1/3 of the students probably speak English as it is required in many upper-level education fields outside of the U.S.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

• Total Classroom Immersion
• Independent Learning & Experience
• Location from House to University

• Food and Housing Financial Accomodations