Look Back on Argentina January 11, 2021

By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/30/2019 to 12/10/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Buenos Aires

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I believe I was able to improve my listening and speaking during my time in Argentina. I’m not certain that my reading or writing have improved—at least in the academic sense. I also had the opportunity to explore myself as a person during hardships.

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.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes My initial goals were heavily focused on improving my Spanish and cultural knowledge in a new environment. I believe i was able to achieve those. I had a good experience overall exploring this new country. Although I had many hardships, I was able to live in a big city and enjoy what the culture and the people had to offer.

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?	$10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Save up some money and keep an eye on the exchange rate.

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?	Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	300 level
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?	Don't be afraid to make mistakes!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Ability to self-explore Challenging one's language use Gaining cultural knowledge.
* What could be improved?	Guidance and Check-ins Social integration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish i talked to more students about specific hardships that they face when they attend these programs.

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 Networker An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Literatura Contemporanea Argentina
Course Department:	Interdepartamental
Instructor:	Martin Kohan
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	It was mostly a lecture-based class. The literary texts were read and analyzed in class and the professor added commentaries before, during, and after the reading. Occasionally the students were asked to share their written reflections on the two novels read outside of class. Written responses and papers were primarily modes of assesment.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I would recommend this course to other students.

Course Name/Rating:	Seminario Sobre Ideas y Cultura en Argentina
Course Department:	History
Instructor:	Luciana L. Contarino Sparta
Instruction Language:	Spanish
Comments:	The class was a lecture-based course with occasional discussion. It helped with my listening and reading comprehension. I was able to gain some knowledge on the development and culture of the Afro-argentinian community. I participated less than i would have at my home institution. I was graded based on presentation and papers.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No issues. I would recommend this course to other students.