An incredible learning experience with support and love December 22, 2022
By Noura L (SIT Human Rights and Social Movements, Vassar College) - abroad from 08/23/2022 to 12/06/2022 with
SIT Study Abroad: Argentina - Social Movements and Human Rights
I learned so much about my self - my ability to be independent and carry myself in difficult situations. I also learned a lot about other life experiences, histories, and government systems.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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? |
I think host families can be tricky given cultural differences, but overall the directors worked hard to place us with kind families. |
| * Food: |
The coffee and pastries are so good, but at least in my host family we did not eat many vegetables. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The host families help very very much with integration, but it is harder to become integrated with students our age given our classes are only within the program. However, it is not impossible to meet and become friends with people from the country. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I really loved the directors, the program material, and the location. |
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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is helpful to plan for trips or other expenses that may come up that you have not thought of yet when planning your budget and spending at the beginning of the semester. |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 216 course at Vassar College |
| 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? | It is important to start conversations with your host family, and put yourself into situations in which you practice (tango classes, frisbee, talking to people in public transport). |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That trying to speak is another language for much of the time is exhausting and that it is impossible to do perfectly, but going in just trying to learn something will get you very far. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
