Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing experience where I learned about culture, research, and myself! Past Review

By (Anthropology., Trinity University) - abroad from 08/26/2014 to 12/08/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a significant amount of Spanish, I took 3 classes towards my major, and I got to make so many friends. It was beyond worthwhile.

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?

I would prefer that there be an option between homestays and living in an apartment because my experience with my host family was not very satisfying.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel that I became relatively integrated based on becoming friends with several locals and conducting fieldwork solely with Argentines.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got very sick in a small town and was taken to the hospital with the program directors and then they flew me home instead of having to take a long bus ride home. I did not need any specific vaccines before going to Argentina.

* Safety:

I did not have any experiences with safety though I was incredibly cautious. Most people in my study abroad group did have items stolen though.

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)

Occasionally I would splurge because there was such amazing food in Buenos Aires, but the prices for transportation, food, and amenities were all very cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would withdraw the amount of money that I was willing to pay each week so that I would go over.

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

They encouraged me constantly which was not challenging because I comfortable with my second 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? I had taken an upper level Spanish literature class.
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? I think that making friends who do not speak English. Also I would read books that I had already read in English, in a different language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • fieldwork opportunties
  • academic directors
  • coursework
* What could be improved?
  • different housing options
  • better opportunity for individual travel
  • different class options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have liked to know a little bit more about the itinerary and general information before arriving to Argentina.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!