Amazing country and amazing program! Past Review

By (Biology, General., Colby College) - 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 so much while abroad! It was 1000% worthwhile. I loved that the program had a specific, interesting and relevant field that all our courses and activities pertained to, and I learned so much from these components of the program. I also learned a great deal about myself and really matured and grew individually just from adjusting to a different country/city, culture, language, homestay, etc.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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 have mixed feelings on the homestay experience. It definitely was a challenge at times, but from that I learned so much and grew. It also really ensured I practice my spanish and had a more authentic experience. At times though, I would have appreciated living closer to other students and having more freedom.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got really dehydrated during our 2-week excursion the the north. The directors were so helpful and caring and took me to the local hospital. I felt super comfortable and safe!

* Safety:

Many students had items stolen at some point throughout the semester (phones,wallets, etc.). I had my argentine phone pick-pocketed twice. Generally I felt safe, though. You just have to be really careful and aware, and don't go too off the beaten path (especially alone or at night!).

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)

Food and transportation were very cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50

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? I had only taken my college's general language requirement (3 semesters)
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • Experiential learning style
  • Excursions
  • Academic directors
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Easier opportunities for individual travel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had practiced my spanish more so I would have been more comfortable in the initial weeks/orientation (most everything was immediately in spanish).

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A 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.