I'm Glad I went Past Review

By (Latin American Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2015 to 12/08/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My Spanish

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.

The program was fast-paced and included a lot of hands-on, experiential learning, which was a teaching style with which I had had little previous exposure, and that I greatly enjoyed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host mother was a warm, understanding and wonderful individual, whom I now consider an honorary "abuelita." Though her apartment was small, she did her best to make sure that I was both taken good care of and had my privacy. Location wise, it was a little more inconvenient to get to classes, but it was nice not to have to go far when I wanted to go out at night, which was usually in that same neighborhood.

* 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:

I was never assaulted or attacked, but women in Buenos Aires should be very aware of how prevalent and aggressive street harassment can be. Every woman in my program had experiences with this and it became incredibly draining over time.

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? $50 - $100

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? SPAN 293: 19th Century Latin American Literature
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? Resist the temptation to use English with fellow Americans. Try to hang out with people whose first/only language is 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?
  • The classes
  • The excursions
  • My host mom <3
* What could be improved?
  • k
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not sure

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.'