Great city, great people and fascinating classes! January 06, 2024

By (International Relations and Public Policy, Claremont McKenna College) - abroad from 08/23/2023 to 12/04/2023 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Public Health in Urban Environments

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I would recommend this program because I loved how intimacy and specificity of the program. The small group was great because we were able to all get to know one another really well and the program staff were able to be attentive to our unique needs. The small program also allowed us to go on many excursions and visits that would not be possible with a larger group. I felt like we were one big family and that was very special. I also love how we all took the same classes and that all of our excursions related directly to what we were learning. I think that having one single topic of focus (health care systems and policy) for the whole semester allowed me to leave the semester feeling like I gained unique knowledge that helped me to understand and appreciate the country I was living in. I also think this niche knowledge will help me with comparative studies in the future. I think the specific nature of SIT programs in general is incredibly valuable. I also felt like I integrated into Argentine society during my brief time. The program staff were extremely helpful in answering questions and helping us access different communities that we were interested in discovering. And of course the host family experience was invaluable to integration and understanding. I lived with a host mother and I ate dinner with her every night. This experience was imperative to my understanding of the host culture, as she talked to me about her thoughts on the country, politics (there was a big presidential election), the economy and everything in between. I felt so lucky to be in her home and be privy to her perspective, it was transformative to my experience. In general, I loved Buenos Aires! There are endless things to do, people are exceptionally kind and things are relatively affordable.  

Personal Information

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Consider the cost of living in the country where you are going! You will be able to live a bigger life in a place where the cost of living is lower. That doesn't mean that the city will be any less interesting, fun or exciting!

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? Advanced
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? College level literature course
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? Practice! Read books, listen to podcasts, have conversations.

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?
  • I loved the specific area of study, the small classes and my host mom! I also loved Buenos Aires as a city.
* What could be improved?
  • Support at the beginning of the program figuring our currency questions and SIM card logistics on phone. Also more conversations about culture differences related to race/ethnicity.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I realized that everyone would be in the same boat when it came to language skills and that there was nothing to stress about. Language proficiency comes with time and experience so you just need to be confident where you are and be willing to try/fail in order to grow.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'