Most Beautiful Experience! July 18, 2026
By Alexa M (Biology, Vassar College) - abroad from 02/13/2026 to 05/28/2026 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Public Health in Urban Environments
I learned so much from my experience abroad. It was such a beautiful journey of learning and self-growth, as well as career development and cultural immersion.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program was broken down into different modules that lined up well with what we were observing during field visits at the time. The professors and program coordinators were always available for support, and provided many resources to help us complete assignments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administrators are so amazing!!! The highlight of the program honestly. Dana, Flor, Val and Mariano are all so extremely dedicated to the well being of the students and were supportive at all times. There was never a moment I didn't feel comfortable talking with any of them, they are wonderful and largely contributed to the beauty of my experience. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was a perfect match. The housing coordinator works hard to match everyone as best as possible, but is also flexible if any issues arise. |
| * Food: |
The food was good, the program provided breakfast and dinner. There were many lunch options. However, it is a bit of an adjustment since Argentines eat dinner at around 9-10pm. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As a native Spanish speaker, I did not feel too nervous about the social and cultural integration. I kept an open mind and was happy to learn about how Argentina's culture differed from my own. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not need medical attention during my stay, but GeoBlue was a readily available resource. The program administration is very knowledgeable about how to access care. |
| * Safety: |
I felt mostly safe in my neighborhood. I had no incidents but it is definitely a good idea to stay alert and not walk around with your phone in hand. |
| 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) |
I will say that Argentina is a bit expensive, so definitely come prepared with some extra spending money if you plan to do excursions and eat out often. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Pace out your spending to make sure that you have enough money left by the end of the three month trip. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had packed lighter and left space to bring back more things. I also wish I had been less nervous beforehand because I was supported from beginning to end. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |