Coffee, Travel and Family Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/23/2016 to 12/05/2016 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights
A lot of personal development in terms of exploring alone in a new city and knowing more about my likes/dislikes along with how to advocate those things.
Review Photos
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. |
This program did have some more hectic times of the semester as with any academic schedule. There was a fair amount of outside reading to do for classes however I did not feel it was overwhelming in any way. I really enjoyed that it was a very prominent 'challenge by choice' environment. I was able to ask for more resources if I was very interested in a topic covered. The independent study obviously lies totally in your hands so your academic enrichment fully depends on the investment you make in your project. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our program director, teachers and other administrative individuals within the program were incredible. I was able to approach them for additional resources, support or guidance at any point during the semester. They are all incredibly invested in the work that they do. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Each student was with a different host family which was really fantastic. Personally I spent a large portion of my time with my host family while I was in country. |
| * Food: |
My breakfast and dinner was provided by my host family so obviously it varies with each family. Once again personally my for was really great. I am gluten free and on all the the trips the staff took care of food planning ahead of time so I was able to have something to eat everywhere we went. Overall country wise Argentina does have a plethora of wheat products (pasta, pizza, empanadas bread..) but it is most certainly possible to find food to eat. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Each student made their own attempts in our own ways to become more integrated within the culture. I was able to meet other individuals that I became friends with but it was more challenging as we are not attending a traditional university with students from the country but rather taking classes solely with the other program students. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare system in Argentina is really great. I personally got sick on one of our program trips but the medical professionals came directly to my hotel room and saw me. The prescribed me antibiotics which one of the staff members filled at a close pharmacy for me. |
| * Safety: |
There was catcalling but I personally did not have anytime where I felt unsafe in any other regard. We were advised not to walk home alone at night (as with any major city). |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The academic experience of the independent study in another country, along with the program staff and my host family were all really fantastic. |
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 food and transport. Depending on how much you are spending on this not covered by the stipend would depend on how much extra money you are spending. Ex: going out, coffee, etc. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $45 for food/transport per week + if going out add approx. $20 for taxi and drinks |
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 |
All classes were taught in spanish in addition to site visits and guest lecturers |
| 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? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 273- Latin American Civilization |
| 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? | Watch TV, listen to the radio, practice with spanish professors, spanish table if available |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I would of fully thought about how I would be spending so much time along side students from the U.S. in the program and traveling. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
