Gratifying way to learn about country and culture. Past Review

By (Public Health., Tulane University) - abroad from 08/26/2014 to 12/08/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Public Health in Urban Environments

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made meaningful relationships with my host family, with the program directors, and with the other students in my program. I learned a lot about myself, what i value, and how I want to live my life. I learned how to communicate with people from other parts of the world, I learned how to conduct my own research project, I gained a greater perspective of the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was no a lot of outside work to do, but classes were very long during the day. The intensity of the independent study project portion depended on your own personal effort.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program directors are kind and helpful. You are able to foster meaningful relationships with them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Staying with a host family was a great way to immerse into the culture and form meaningful relationships.

* Food:

It is a big city, so there are a lot of food options for every type of eater.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living with a host family helped this, but it can feel difficult to branch out from the program group and participate in activities on your own with other Argentines. (Although very possible, just might need a little push)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had an issue

* Safety:

As with any big city, you must be cautious and mindful. I never had any safety issues or felt particularly unsafe.

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)

It depends what you choose to spend your money on, but you are given a food allowance as part of the cost of the program and breakfast and dinner are provided by the host family.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

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

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host family
  • Independent Study Project
  • Program staff
* What could be improved?
  • Structure of classes
  • cultural immersion (easy to only hang out with american students in program)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be adaptable!! Not every program is perfect or might play out exactly as you had imagined. Find ways to make the experience what you want it to be, and accept how lucky you are to have the opportunity to study abroad no matter what.