Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most growth-provoking, beautiful, difficult semester I've ever had Past Review

By (Political Science and Government, Brandeis 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 became fluent in Spanish; learned an incredible amount about Argentina's social, political and economic history; integrated myself into Argentinian culture; saw and experienced things I never would have dreamed of; and made the most incredible memories that I still think about every single day.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Bring American dollars to Buenos Aires and use the "dollar blue" exchange. It's much better than exchanging money through the traditional exchange rate.

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? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? AP Spanish in high school (scored a 5 on the exam)
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak Spanish with American peers!

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?
  • Homestay experience
  • Taking advantage of Buenos Aires
  • Becoming fluent in Spanish
* What could be improved?
  • The program could have been better organized
  • Some of the hostels we stayed in could have been better
  • Fewer 2+ hour-long lectures
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Studying abroad isn't going to be a positive experience 100% of the time. It's ok to feel lonely and lost, and there's nothing wrong with feeling that way. It's completely normal.

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.'