Amazing cultural & academic experience Past Review

By (Political Science, Columbia University) - abroad from 02/24/2015 to 06/08/2015 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 about Argentine history, US foreign policy vis-à-vis Latin America, Argentine culture, how to adapt to a new country, how to navigate a new city etc. It was definitely worthwhile, I would recommend this program to anyone who is independent and wants to learn a lot.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This is not an easy study abroad program, especially in the last month with the ISP you will have to work!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Homestays, not as independent as having your own apartment, but they pair up the students really well with their families and I loved mine.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not effortless to meet Argentine students, you need to make an effort to talk to others as we don't have class with Argies.

* 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)

The program gives you a stipend for lunches everyday and Argentina is very cheap!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't take cabs as the public transportation system is super easy!

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
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? Speak with your host family only in Spanish! And although this is hard make an effort to speak with the other people on your program in Spanish.

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?
  • Location of the program (in B.A.)
  • We travelled a lot within Argentina
  • Academic rigour
* What could be improved?
  • Make the program longer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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.