The only thing to fear is fear itself! Past Review
By Haleigh Hoskins (Spelman College) - abroad from 08/23/2016 to 12/05/2016 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights
Yes, the program was definitely worthwhile. I learned that studying abroad can open up a wide variety of opportunities to learn others' culture and learn more about one's self. As the individualism slowly fades the cares of others' begins to take presidence in your life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Going abroad to any country, one can expect the food to be different. However, in Argentina, I found myself mostly eating empanadas and milanesa de pollo. If one is absolutely missing home there is, of course, a McDonald's and Burger King. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
During the semester I did get sick and expressed concern to my directors and homestay advisor. They immediately made an appointment with a local doctor and he was extremely helpful. |
| * Safety: |
Like any big city, Buenos Aires can seem dangerous or intimidating. However, the program and host families do make a conscious effort to ensure your safety by providing planned routes and advice. When classes were in a different location other than CEDES (main building) we often traveled in groups. At one point, I did get pickpocketed and lost my subway card. From then on I learned to carry all my belongings in front of me in my bookbag/purse. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 SIT Social Movements and Human Rights program provided us with three stipends throughout the program's duration. Thus, I didn't have to spend too much on out of pocket costs, unless I purchased souvenirs. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | no more than $20.00/ week |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Spanish Conversation |
| 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? | During this program the directors expect for us to use as much of our language skills as possible. It is not as intimidating as it seems. With the homestay component communication becomes easier and easier with time. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To have a more open mind. Never be afraid to talk to the citizens and learn more by social interaction. |
