Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Buenos Aires is a Great Place to be a Student June 16, 2022

By (Oberlin College) - abroad from 02/23/2022 to 06/06/2022 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 the political history and ongoing social justice efforts around Argentina. The other students were great, supportive and excited to explore the city together.

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:

Host family was vegetarian too, and that made the living situation so much easier!

* 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)

During this semester, we received stipends for food and transportation so that made budgeting much simpler for me.

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? Advanced Communication
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? I tried not to only speak English with friends on the program, which was difficult, but useful to keep trying.

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?
  • Host family and structured trips
  • But also free time to live as a young person in Buenos Aires
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly I enjoyed all aspects
  • Maybe more deliberate and open check ins about cultural and social differences with the US throughout the program, especially related to our experiences with race and class etc., based on what the group discussed in our free time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open minded and seize opportunities to meet people and do things as they come up, since the time is so short. But also have some ideas beforehand about your limits and people you can reach out to during a challenge.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.